Controversy Erupts as NPR Reporter Danielle Kurtzleben Strikes Trump with Microphone
Unprecedented Press Incident Sparks Outrage
In what conservative commentators are calling an unprecedented display of media hostility, NPR reporter Danielle Kurtzleben allegedly hit President Donald Trump in the face with a boom microphone during a press Q&A. The incident occurred Friday night as Trump was answering questions before departing on Air Force One to Palm Beach, creating immediate controversy about appropriate press conduct.
Trump’s reaction to being struck with the microphone’s “dead cat” foam windscreen was surprisingly measured, though he did comment on the incident. “She just became a big story tonight,” Trump remarked after being hit, highlighting the significance of what many conservatives are calling the first time a U.S. president has been physically struck by press equipment during questioning.
Reporter’s Identity and Delayed Response
Conservative journalist Laura Loomer identified Kurtzleben as the reporter responsible, describing her as a far-left journalist with a history of criticizing Trump. According to The Gateway Pundit’s reporting, Kurtzleben promptly locked her social media accounts after the incident gained public attention, fueling speculation about her motivations.
NPR’s handling of the situation has drawn significant criticism from conservative circles for its nearly two-day delay in addressing the incident. Many Republican commentators have questioned why the taxpayer-funded news organization failed to immediately issue a statement or take disciplinary action regarding one of their reporters physically contacting the president.
Security Concerns and Unanswered Questions
The Secret Service’s response to the incident has raised serious questions about security protocols when a president is physically contacted by press equipment. Many observers have expressed concern that Kurtzleben was neither immediately removed from the press area nor questioned by security personnel after the physical contact with the president.
The Gateway Pundit reports reaching out to NPR for comment regarding both the incident itself and the organization’s delayed response. Conservative media outlets continue to press for information about whether Kurtzleben faced any interview by the Secret Service or if she will be banned from future presidential briefings following what many on the right view as unprofessional conduct.
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