Beni Rae Harmony, a 24-year-old conservative activist and former media personality, has been appointed as a deputy press secretary for the White House. Her transition to the Trump administration follows her recent tenure as a Washington-based correspondent, marking a rapid shift from reporting on the president to serving as a spokesperson for his team.
Appointment of Beni Rae Harmony
Beni Rae Harmony officially joined the Trump administration on Monday. She enters the communications office as a deputy press secretary, a role that follows the departure of Karoline Leavitt, who resigned from her position as press secretary in August. While the top press secretary role remains vacant, the White House has publicly backed Harmony’s appointment. Anna Kelly, a senior White House spokesperson, described Harmony as a “trusted voice” of the MAGA movement and a “superb addition” to the team.
Professional Background and Media Career
Before her appointment to the White House, Harmony held several positions within conservative politics and media. Early in her career, she worked for the organization Turning Point USA, where she identified founder Charlie Kirk as her “mentor and first boss.” She also gained experience working with Republican members of Congress, including Representatives Paul Gosar and Matt Gaetz.
Her media career included a stint at the local station WICS-ABC20 in Illinois. Reports regarding the nature of her departure from the station differ. While Harmony stated she was suspended following an emotional on-air tribute to the late Charlie Kirk in 2025, the station has denied that a suspension took place. She subsequently joined the conservative outlet Real America’s Voice as a Washington correspondent, where she covered the White House and accompanied Donald Trump on his travels, including a trip to Ireland.
Controversies Regarding Past Imagery
Harmony’s appointment has drawn attention due to a 2021 photograph that recently resurfaced. In the image, Harmony is seen posing with a rifle while wearing a shirt emblazoned with the phrase "Fuck Joe Biden." The photo was originally shared on Instagram by Republican congressional candidate Jarome Bell, who identified Harmony as his campaign’s public affairs director at the time. Despite the criticism surrounding the image, the White House has declined to distance itself from the appointment, reaffirming its support for her role in the administration.
Transition from Correspondent to Spokesperson
The shift from reporter to official spokesperson occurred shortly after Harmony’s time as a White House correspondent. Trump reportedly took notice of the young journalist during his travels. Following the trip to Ireland, evidence of interest in her recruitment emerged when photographers captured Trump carrying documents with Harmony’s name visible on the top page. Within weeks, she transitioned from asking questions of the administration to representing it as an assistant press secretary.
Who Is the Current White House Press Secretary?
Who is the current White House press secretary?
As of the latest reports, the primary press secretary position remains vacant following the resignation of Karoline Leavitt in August. Beni Rae Harmony has been appointed to the role of deputy press secretary.
What was Harmony’s role at WICS-ABC20?
There is a discrepancy in how her role is defined. Harmony described herself as a moderator, reporter, and journalist, while the station stated she worked as a moderator and producer for the lifestyle program "Marketplace" and was not part of the newsroom editorial staff.
What is the status of the "Fuck Joe Biden" shirt controversy?
The White House has not disavowed the 2021 photograph showing Harmony with a firearm and the shirt. Instead, senior officials have characterized her as a trusted voice within the Trump movement, effectively dismissing the criticism as a factor in her hiring.