Beni Rae Harmony Joins Trump’s Communications Team Amid Controversy

With the position of White House press secretary unfilled, Donald Trump has added a new member to his communications team. Beni Rae Harmony, a 24-year-old former journalist, will serve as an assistant press secretary. The president has not yet replaced press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who resigned in August. Trump’s recent hiring decision has ignited discussions following new details about Harmony.

A 2021 holiday photo of her wearing a “F*** Joe Biden” T-shirt and holding a rifle gained widespread attention on social media. On Sunday, Harmony announced on X that she is joining the White House, expressing excitement for “serving the American people and fighting for the American Dream.” She added the slogan “America First.”

Who Is Beni Rae Harmony?

Harmony disclosed on Friday her move to the White House press team from her role as a senior correspondent for Real America’s Voice. This media outlet was initially a video podcast platform for Trump’s former adviser Steve Bannon.

Her LinkedIn profile shows that she was previously a press aide for Turning Point USA host Jack Posobiec and served as a deputy press secretary for Republican Congressmen Paul Gosar and Matt Gaetz. Before joining the White House, Harmony often accompanied Trump on various trips, covering his activities for Real America’s Voice. She recently was part of the White House press corps on the president’s trip to Ireland, where Trump was seen holding paper with her name.

Harmony, who has over 77,000 Instagram followers, has often shared her experiences traveling and reporting on Trump. Her appointment coincides with a strained time between Trump and the media. In September, Trump banned CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House, but a federal judge temporarily blocked this decision. Trump’s interactions with female journalists have also been contentious, with notable confrontations reported.

Why a 2021 Photo of Harmony Is Going Viral

Following her White House announcement, social media unearthed several of Harmony’s past posts and photos. Notably, a Christmas photograph showing her with an older relative in a provocative T-shirt was shared by former Republican House candidate Jarome Bell with the caption, “My campaign Public Affairs Director @beniraeharmony is a beast. This is how we roll.”

Harmony confirmed the photo’s authenticity by posting another image of herself in that T-shirt. She replied to a comment asking, “Daughter or date?” with “uncle.”

In 2025, Harmony gained attention in conservative circles after a tearful tribute to Charlie Kirk. She credited him as “a mentor, my first boss, the first person who made me believe in myself and encouraged me to chase this dream.” As an anchor on WICS NewsChannel 20 in Springfield, Illinois, she claimed she was suspended over this tribute. However, the station’s news director, Heather Nodine, denied her suspension, stating that Harmony was not employed as a journalist or within the news department.

Newsweek reached out to Harmony via X for comments and also contacted the White House through email.