Trump's team attacks CNN reporter for dancing in public

In Mallorca, Spain, CNN's chief international correspondent, Clarissa Ward, posted a lighthearted video of herself dancing while on her way to cover the total solar eclipse. The video, which showcased her excitement, drew criticism from Trump's White House team, who deemed her actions inappropriate for a journalist. This incident reflects the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and female reporters, emphasizing the challenges they face in balancing professionalism with personal expression.

Trump's team attacks CNN reporter for dancing in public
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Published Aug 12, 2026

Topic overview

Briefly

  • Clarissa Ward shared a playful video of herself dancing while heading to cover a total solar eclipse.
  • Trump's Rapid Response team criticized her for the video, calling it embarrassing and unprofessional.
  • The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and female journalists.

What happened

In a recent incident, the White House targeted CNN's chief international correspondent, Clarissa Ward, for sharing a playful video of herself dancing while on her way to cover a significant event. The video, which was posted on Instagram, showcased Ward enjoying herself as she moved through a transit hub in Mallorca, Spain, on her way to report on the total solar eclipse. The lighthearted nature of the video, featuring her dancing to Peaches & Herb's 'Shake Your Groove Thing,' was met with backlash from Trump's Rapid Response team, who deemed it inappropriate for a journalist. They expressed their disapproval by labeling her actions as embarrassing and unprofessional, suggesting that she was seeking attention on social media rather than focusing on serious journalism. This incident is part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration's criticism of female reporters, particularly those from CNN. Ward's response to the criticism highlighted her perspective on the assignment, emphasizing the joy and excitement she felt about covering the eclipse. She encouraged her followers to guess her assignment while maintaining a lighthearted tone, stating that if one isn't having fun, they are doing it wrong. This clash between the White House and a journalist underscores the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the media, particularly regarding the treatment of women in journalism. The incident reflects a larger narrative of how the Trump administration has often targeted female reporters, with Kaitlan Collins being another frequent target of the president's remarks. The criticism of Ward's video serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by journalists, especially women, in maintaining their professionalism while also expressing their individuality and joy in their work.

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Updated Aug 12, 2026

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