Trump appoints 24-year-old Beni Rae Harmony as White House deputy press secretary
President Donald Trump has named 24-year-old Beni Rae Harmony as a new deputy press secretary in the White House.
President Donald Trump introduced 24-year-old Beni Rae Harmony as the White House deputy press secretary, moving her from an external journalist role to an insider position. Harmony previously reported on the White House for The Telegraph and worked at Steve Bannon’s right-wing outlet Real America’s Voice, earning a reputation as a staunch MAGA advocate. The announcement arrived after Trump named Katie Zacharian as the chief press secretary and amid speculation that Harmony might join the staff during a recent Air Force One flight from Ireland.
Supporters praised her youthful vigor, willingness to face cameras, and "deep loyalty" to the president, drawing parallels to senior deputy Karoline Leavitt. The hire reflects Trump’s pattern of selecting young, loyal aides with strong ties to his political base.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage frames the story as a visual metaphor for Trump’s hunger for approval amid internal staff turmoil, while centrist coverage presents the appointment as a youthful, loyal staffing choice and notes supporters’ praise.
LEFT
Trump is portrayed as craving adulation and presiding over a chaotic administration.
CENTER
The appointment is highlighted as a youthful, loyal hire, with supporters praising his vigor and loyalty.
The left emphasises
- photo shows Trump’s “hunger for approval”
- staff turmoil and departures
- deepening divide between supporters and critics
How this story developed
- Oct 9 White House Offers Press Secretary Role to Katie Zacharia
- Oct 10 Trump announced Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary.
- Oct 11 Deleted social‑media posts by Zacharia containing extremist statements were uncovered.
- Oct 13 President Donald Trump appointed Katie Zacharia as press secretary without consulting chief of staff Susie Wiles, sparking a fresh power clash.
- Oct 13 Katie Zacharia, President Trump's new press secretary, has repeatedly called herself a lawyer, but investigations found no evidence she is licensed to practice law.
- Oct 13 Zacharia held her first White House press briefing.
- Oct 14 Zacharia’s China‑based bar exam claim has prompted new scrutiny.
- Oct 15 A California watchdog group urged an inquiry into possible misdemeanor violations.
- Oct 16 Katie Zacharia was removed from her role as White House press secretary just five days after taking the job, following revelations that her claimed legal credentials could not be verified.
- Oct 16 Trump appointed Katie Zacharia as press secretary despite chief of staff Susie Wiles' recommendation.
- Oct 16 Zacharia left the White House press secretary position.
- Oct 17 President Trump confirmed that Zachandra would be transitioning out of the press secretary position.
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