Beni Rae Harmony, a 24-year-old former reporter for the far-right broadcaster Real America’s Voice, has been named assistant press secretary at the Trump White House, the administration confirmed Friday. The announcement quickly drew scrutiny after a years-old photo surfaced showing Harmony posing with a rifle while wearing an anti-Joe Biden T-shirt.
The photo was originally posted in 2021 by Jarome Bell, a former Republican congressional candidate from Virginia, who identified Harmony as his campaign’s public affairs director. Bell’s caption read, “My campaign Public Affairs Director @beniraeharmony is a beast. This is how we roll.” Harmony’s Instagram account liked the post. Anti-MAGA accounts on Instagram surfaced the image shortly after her hiring was announced, according to The Daily Beast.
Harmony’s Path to the White House
Harmony’s media career began at WICS-ABC20 in Springfield, Illinois, where she says she was suspended after delivering an on-air tribute to conservative influencer Charlie Kirk following his 2025 assassination. She defended the segment as “non-partisan” and subsequently joined Real America’s Voice, which airs shows hosted by Steve Bannon, Kirk, and Ted Nugent. She also previously worked at Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization in 2020 and 2021, describing him as a “mentor.” Her LinkedIn profile lists internships with Republican Congressman Paul Gosar of Arizona and former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz.
Harmony announced her new role in a post that reflected on her time covering the administration. It’s been an honor to report, travel, and cover this historic administration as Senior White House Correspondent for Real America’s Voice,” she wrote. “My goal has always been to ask questions that matter to real Americans and make sure their voices are heard. I’m incredibly grateful to President Trump for this opportunity and his trust.” Analysts covering Beni Rae Harmony White House appointment noted the hire fits a broader pattern of Trump recruiting media allies into official communications roles.
Anna Kelly Confirms the Appointment
White House principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly confirmed the appointment in an official statement. “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.”
Harmony joins the communications team after a staff shake-up that included the departure of former press secretary Karoline Leavitt in August. Reports suggest she may have caught the administration’s attention during a trip to Ireland last month, where she traveled aboard Air Force One as a reporter. Her new role places her at the center of the administration’s daily media operations going forward.
