President Donald Trump’s newly appointed assistant press secretary has come under scrutiny after an old photograph resurfaced showing her holding a rifle while wearing a T-shirt carrying an explicit message attacking former president Joe Biden.
Beni Rae Harmony, a 24-year-old former White House correspondent for conservative broadcaster Real America’s Voice, announced on Friday that she was joining the Trump administration’s communications team.
Shortly after her appointment was confirmed, critics circulated the 2021 photograph in which Harmony can be seen posing with a rifle while wearing a black “F*** Joe Biden” shirt.
The image was originally posted on Instagram by Jarome Bell, a Republican who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in Virginia in 2022.
“My campaign Public Affairs Director @beniraeharmony is a beast. This is how we roll,” Bell wrote alongside the photograph.
Harmony’s Instagram account reportedly liked the post. Her LinkedIn profile identifies her as having served as public affairs director for a congressional campaign, although it does not name Bell directly.
Harmony thanks Trump for ‘opportunity and trust’
Harmony confirmed her new position in a social media statement, thanking Trump for selecting her to serve in the White House.
“I’m excited to announce that I am joining the Trump Administration as Asst. White House Press Secretary,” she wrote.
“It’s been an honour to report, travel and cover this historic administration as Senior White House Correspondent for Real America’s Voice.
“My goal has always been to ask the questions that matter to real Americans and make sure their voices are heard.”
Harmony added that she was “incredibly grateful” to Trump for the opportunity and his trust.
“I’m looking forward to this next chapter — serving the American people and continuing to fight for the American Dream. America First,” she said.
The appointment does not make Harmony the White House press secretary. Trump has not yet named a permanent replacement for Karoline Leavitt, who left the administration in August to spend more time with her family.
Harmony is expected to work as a spokesperson and assistant press secretary within the wider White House communications operation.
White House praises ‘trusted MAGA voice’
Anna Kelly, the White House principal deputy press secretary, confirmed Harmony’s appointment and praised her work as a pro-Trump correspondent.
“Beni Rae Harmony has been a trusted voice for the MAGA movement as a White House correspondent,” Kelly said.
“She will be an outstanding addition to President Trump’s communications team as an assistant press secretary. We look forward to having her on board.”
Before accepting the White House job, Harmony worked as a senior correspondent for Real America’s Voice, a conservative television and streaming network whose programmes include shows hosted by Steve Bannon, Charlie Kirk and musician Ted Nugent.
Harmony became increasingly visible within the White House press pool and recently travelled aboard Air Force One while covering Trump’s official engagements.
She was also present during Trump’s trip to Ireland in September. Photographs from the journey appeared to show the president holding briefing papers with Harmony’s name printed prominently on the front.
Resigned after Charlie Kirk tribute
Harmony joined Real America’s Voice in September 2025 after leaving her position as an anchor at WICS-ABC20 in Springfield, Illinois.
She said the station suspended her after she delivered an emotional on-air tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk following his assassination in September 2025.
Harmony described Kirk as her former boss, mentor and one of the first people to encourage her to pursue a broadcasting career.
She defended the tribute as “non-partisan” and resigned from WICS shortly after her suspension.
“My resignation is guided by values that are essential to who I am, which I refuse to set aside in order to keep a job,” she said at the time. “I choose my faith and love of country, and always will.”
Harmony previously worked at Kirk’s conservative youth organisation, Turning Point USA, as a podcast assistant and administrator.
Her professional history also includes internships with Republican politicians Paul Gosar and Matt Gaetz.
Appointment follows White House shake-up
Harmony’s appointment comes amid changes within Trump’s press operation following Leavitt’s departure at the end of August.
Leavitt, who became the youngest White House press secretary in American history, said she was stepping down to spend more time with her two young children. She has since returned to a role with the pro-Trump political organisation MAGA Inc.
Trump has yet to announce who will permanently replace her as his principal White House spokesperson.
Harmony’s move from a supportive conservative media organisation into the administration is likely to attract further scrutiny as she prepares to speak officially on behalf of the president.
Neither Harmony nor the White House has publicly addressed the resurfaced photograph.
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