With the departure of Karoline Leavitt as press secretary in August, the White House has yet to fill that position. However, Donald Trump has added a new member to his communications team. Beni Rae Harmony, a 24-year-old former journalist, has been appointed as assistant press secretary. This new hire has generated considerable discussion due to details emerging about her previous activities.
Recently, a photo of Harmony wearing a “F*** Joe Biden” T-shirt and holding a rifle circulated on social media. Harmony confirmed her new role on the platform X, stating, “I’m looking forward to this next chapter – serving the American people and continuing to fight for the American Dream. America First.”
Who Is Beni Rae Harmony?
Harmony announced her new role on Friday. She transitions into her position from Real America’s Voice, where she worked as a senior correspondent. This media outlet was initially created as a video podcast platform linked to Steve Bannon, a former adviser to the president.
Harmony’s LinkedIn profile details her previous work as a press aide with Turning Point USA host Jack Posobiec. She also served as deputy press secretary for Republican Congressmen Paul Gosar and Matt Gaetz.
Before her White House appointment, Harmony followed the president on various trips, reporting for Real America’s Voice. She was recently with the White House press corps during Trump’s visit to Ireland, where he was seen on Air Force One with a paper bearing Harmony’s name.
Harmony possesses a strong social media presence, with more than 77,000 followers on Instagram. She has often shared content about her assignments traveling with and reporting on the president. Her hiring occurs amid ongoing tensions between Trump and the press, highlighted by his barring of CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House, although a judge temporarily blocked this decision.
Why a 2021 Photo of Harmony Is Going Viral
The announcement of Harmony’s appointment led to a resurfacing of past social media posts. A 2021 Christmas photo gained significant attention. Taken with an older relative, Harmony wears a T-shirt displaying an expletive directed at Joe Biden. This image was shared on Instagram by former Republican House candidate Jarome Bell, captioned as a testament to Harmony’s bravado.
Harmony validated the picture’s authenticity by posting another image of herself in the same T-shirt. When queried on X if the relative in the photo was her father or date, she clarified he was her uncle.
In 2025, Harmony drew right-wing attention with a tearful tribute to Charlie Kirk, citing him as a mentor who motivated her. During her time at WICS NewsChannel 20 in Springfield, Illinois, she allegedly faced suspension over this tribute. However, News Director Heather Nodine refuted this, stating Harmony was not engaged as a journalist with the station.
Newsweek sought comments from Harmony via X and the White House through email.