Story perspectives

White House Attacks CNN Reporter Over South Korea Drills Question

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump told CNN reporter Kirsten Holmes her children would be “sickened and embarrassed.”
Holmes asked on August 17 why Trump pulled back from U.S.–South Korea military drills.
The White House rapid-response X account called her question “disgusting and inhumane.”
CNN issued a statement calling Holmes “one of the most respected and accomplished journalists.”
International Women’s Media Foundation said Trump’s attacks on women journalists aim to normalize press degradation.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump told CNN reporter Kirsten Holmes her children would be “sickened and embarrassed.”
Holmes asked on August 17 why Trump pulled back from U.S.–South Korea military drills.
The White House rapid-response X account called her question “disgusting and inhumane.”
CNN issued a statement calling Holmes “one of the most respected and accomplished journalists.”
International Women’s Media Foundation said Trump’s attacks on women journalists aim to normalize press degradation.