Benny Ray Harmony has joined the administration of US President Donald Trump as an assistant press secretary and spokesperson. Shortly after assuming the role, she faced intense criticism after an old photo of her—holding a rifle and wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with “Fuck Joe Biden”—circulated on social media. However, the White House has stood by Harmony.
The 24-year-old Harmony previously served as a White House correspondent for the right-wing media outlet “Real America’s Voice.” She recently joined the Trump administration’s press team, at which point the photo from November 2021 resurfaced and sparked discussion.
In the photo, Harmony is seen standing beside an older man in front of Christmas decorations; she is wearing a T-shirt reading “Fuck Joe Biden” and holding a rifle.
Far-right Republican figure Jerome Bell had posted the image on Instagram in November 2021.
Bell, who ran in and lost the 2022 Congressional election, introduced Harmony in the post’s caption as the public affairs director for his campaign. Harmony later indirectly confirmed the authenticity of the photo by posting another image the following day, taken in the same location and wearing the same outfit.
When a social media user sarcastically asked about her relationship with the older man in the photo—”Daughter or date?”—Harmony replied, “Uncle.”
The “Fuck Joe Biden” slogan had gained widespread popularity among Trump supporters during the presidency of Joe Biden. Harmony herself has not commented on the resurfaced photo.
Responding to criticism regarding her appointment, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly defended Harmony. She stated that Harmony is a trusted voice of the “MAGA” movement and would be an “excellent and capable addition” to Trump’s communications team. According to Harmony’s LinkedIn profile, she previously worked as a producer for Jack Posobiec, a presenter with the right-wing organization ‘Turning Point USA.’ She also served as a press aide to Republican Congressman Paul Gosar and former Congressman Matt Gaetz.
Meanwhile, Harmony’s appointment to the White House press team has sparked controversy regarding the administration’s media policies. Critics allege that the Trump administration restricts access for critical media outlets while granting greater opportunities to journalists loyal to Trump.
Trump has attempted to ban outlets like CNN, Politico, and MSNBC from the White House, accusing them of negative coverage. There are also allegations that his advisors selectively grant questioning opportunities to journalists from pro-Trump media outlets.
Last month, while speaking with reporters aboard the presidential aircraft ‘Air Force One,’ Trump was seen holding a stack of papers in his left hand. At that time, Harmony asked Trump several friendly questions.
Critics suggest that these questions may have been scripted in advance to provide political advantage.
A TMZ report states that Harmony’s name was visible at the top of the first sheet of paper Trump was holding, as seen in an Associated Press photograph. This has led to speculation that Trump was holding Harmony’s resume while taking questions from the press.
