Trump Snubs Newsmax Reporter, Praises CNN in Tarmac Exchange
President Donald Trump publicly rebuked a Newsmax reporter on Monday, March 23, 2026, opting instead to take a question from CNN during a press gaggle in West Palm Beach, Florida. The exchange highlighted Trump’s unpredictable relationship with the media, even within typically supportive outlets.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters, including Newsmax correspondent Mike Carter (right).
Credit: Roberto Schmidt/Getty
Testy Exchange on the Tarmac
The confrontation began when Newsmax White House correspondent Mike Carter questioned Trump about statements made by Iran’s foreign ministry regarding potential negotiations to end the war. Carter asked, “Iran’s foreign ministry says you’re not telling the truth when it comes to productive conversations.” Trump dismissed the claim, stating, “They’re gonna have to obtain themselves better public relations people.”
Later, as Carter attempted to follow up with a question about the deployment of ICE agents to American airports, Trump interrupted him. “Who are you with?” Trump asked. When Carter identified himself as being with Newsmax, Trump retorted, “You’re not doing a very quality job. You’re not doing a good job. Did you hear me?” He then turned to a CNN reporter, saying, “Can you believe it? I’m taking CNN over Newsmax.”
Criticism of Newsmax and Potential Motives
Trump’s public rebuke of Carter and preference for a CNN reporter surprised many, given Newsmax’s generally favorable coverage of his administration. He further stated, “I don’t think he’s going to be at Newsmax long.”
The incident occurred shortly after Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy led a coalition opposing a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision regarding a media merger, a decision previously approved by a Trump-appointed FCC chair. Ruddy criticized the FCC’s approval as “an affront to both legal process and the rule of law.”
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One.
Credit: Roberto Schmidt/Getty
Later Interaction at Graceland
Despite the earlier tension, Carter was able to ask Trump a question later that same day at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. He inquired about the potential for Mar-a-Lago to develop into a pilgrimage site similar to Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Trump responded with a smile, stating, “Well, I don’t know, it’s something I could never say. That’s a special place, too.”
Read the original article on People.
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