President Donald Trump delivered a sharp rebuke to a reporter from a typically friendly outlet on Monday, creating an unexpected media moment as he fielded questions about escalating tensions with Iran.
The exchange took place on the tarmac in West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump was addressing reporters about both foreign policy and domestic actions tied to his administration’s response. Newsmax correspondent Mike Carter pressed the president on claims from Iran’s foreign ministry, which disputed the White House’s characterization of progress toward ending the conflict.
Trump responded immediately, dismissing Iran’s criticism with a pointed remark about the country’s public relations. The interaction escalated when Carter attempted to pivot to a second question regarding immigration enforcement actions at U.S. airports.
Before the question could be completed, Trump interrupted and demanded to know the reporter’s affiliation. Upon learning Carter represented Newsmax, a conservative outlet generally aligned with Trump’s base, the president openly criticized his performance.
TRUMP: Who are you with?
REPORTER: Newsmax
TRUMP: You’re not doing a very good job
REPORTER: You deployed ICE–
TRUMP: You’re not doing a good job. Did you hear me? I’m taking CNN over Newsmax. Can you believe it? pic.twitter.com/tKpwRp5dh5
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 23, 2026
Trump told the reporter he was “not doing a very good job,” repeating the criticism as Carter attempted to continue. He then cut off the exchange entirely and shifted attention to another journalist, adding a remark that underscored the moment’s significance: he joked that he would prefer taking a question from CNN, a network he has frequently criticized, over Newsmax.
The incident quickly gained traction online, drawing mixed reactions. Some supporters defended Trump’s response, arguing the questioning lacked clarity or focus. Others expressed surprise at the president publicly rebuking a reporter from a network typically seen as sympathetic.
The moment also highlighted Trump’s ongoing sensitivity to media framing, even from outlets generally considered favorable. His willingness to challenge the reporter mid-exchange reflects a broader pattern of tightly controlling messaging, particularly on high-stakes issues like international conflict.
Shortly after the exchange, Trump continued speaking with other reporters and briefly returned to criticism of political figures, including remarks tied to recent developments involving former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent.
