President Trump Rebukes CNN Reporter Kristen Holmes in Oval Office, Labels Network 'Fake News'
President Trump publicly admonished CNN reporter Kristen Holmes during a meeting in the Oval Office on Monday, August 17, 2026. The incident occurred after Holmes questioned President Trump about whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had requested the reduction in joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea. President Trump told Holmes to 'be quiet,' accusing her of being 'very disrespectful' in front of a young lifeguard present at the event. He then asked which news organization she represented, and upon learning it was CNN, he dismissed the network as 'fake news.' The White House later criticized Holmes on its rapid response X profile, accusing her of asking a 'repugnant and inhumane question' and suggesting her children would be 'disgusted and ashamed.' CNN defended Holmes, calling her a 'respected and talented journalist' who asked a 'difficult, relevant, and newsworthy question.' 
