Trump appoints former Real America host Beni Rae Harmony as assistant press secretary
Beni Rae Harmony, a former Real America's Voice correspondent, has been named assistant White House press secretary by Donald Trump.
Beni Rae Harmony confirmed on X that she will serve as an assistant press secretary in the Trump administration, expressing gratitude to Donald Trump. The 24-year-old previously anchored at WICS-ABC20 in Springfield, Illinois, where she was suspended for an emotional tribute to Charlie Kirk after his death. She later became a White House correspondent for the right-wing network Real America's Voice, linked to Steve Bannon.
Harmony’s résumé also includes a stint as a producer and administrator for Turning Point USA and an internship with former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. She traveled with the press pool on Trump’s recent trip to Ireland and took over one outlet’s seat on Air Force One during a visit to Knoxville. White House principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly welcomed her to the communications team.
Why it matters
The appointment signals Trump’s continued reliance on media figures aligned with his base for White House communications.
How this story developed
- Sep 17 Judge blocks Trump administration from demolishing the Kennedy Center without advance notice
- Sep 24 A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order restoring the three outlets' White House press passes.
- Sep 27 Lindell TV was listed as a participant in the Air Force One press pool for the Tennessee trip.
- Sep 28 The administration broadcast a 30-second television spot from Donald Trump's 2024 campaign, labeling it a public service announcement despite objections from lawmakers of both parties.
- Sep 28 The two leaders met at a high-profile summit and confirmed two more meetings later this year, extending the existing agreement that limits tariffs and rare-earth restrictions. Analysts note that despite the extension, both sides remain locked in fierce competition over trade, technology, Taiwan and defense. US officials view the short-term extension as a compliance measure, expressing doubts about China’s full adherence to earlier commitments.
- Sep 29 The administration has framed the spots as public‑service announcements rather than campaign ads.
- Sep 29 The Senate Judiciary Committee held the hearing with Jack Smith.
- Sep 29 The bilateral trade truce has been extended.
- Sep 30 Democrats on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees sent letters to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles demanding removal of the ads.
- Sep 30 A whistleblower disclosed that the Arctic Frost probe collected private messages from journalists at over a dozen news outlets.
- Oct 2 The Honors ceremony has been relocated from the Kennedy Center to Capital One Arena.
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