A viral video showing a White House staffer directing photographers away from President Donald Trump during a visit to Ireland has sparked a public feud between the administration and independent journalist Aaron Rupar.
The White House’s official Rapid Response account accused Rupar of making "disturbing comments" and labeled him a "sick freak" in a social media post defending the staffer, Ellie Acra. The exchange follows a pattern of escalating rhetoric between the administration and Rupar, who has repeatedly documented the movements of Trump aides in viral clips.
On Sunday, Rupar shared footage from Shannon International Airport in Ireland showing Acra, a White House press wrangler, directing members of the press to exit an area near Trump and his family. In the clip, Acra is seen using the phrase, "Thank you, press," a standard directive for media personnel to clear designated zones. Rupar’s post on X, formerly Twitter, described Acra as a "blonde Trump flunkie" who was "literally shoving photographers away from Trump."
The White House’s Rapid Response 47 account responded within hours, defending Acra’s actions. The post stated: "This is a press wrangler doing her job — and doing it well. Aaron, meanwhile, is gutter trash (in his 40s) who spends his days hiding behind his keyboard and making disturbing comments about women doing their jobs. Truly a sick freak!"
Rupar replied that the administration’s response amounted to "taxpayer-funded incitement" and suggested it was encouraging harassment against him. He noted that the White House had targeted him for two consecutive days, first over a separate video involving another Trump aide, Natalie Harp.
Ellie Acra’s Role and Background
Acra works in the White House travel office and frequently accompanies the president on official trips. A graduate of Greensburg Community High School and Purdue University, she previously worked as a reporter before joining the Trump administration. The White House has not provided further comment on the incident beyond its social media response.
Broader Context of the Feud
The clash is the latest in a series of confrontations between the White House and Rupar, who has built a following by capturing and sharing viral moments of Trump’s public appearances. The administration has increasingly used its Rapid Response account to criticize Rupar directly, accusing him of harassment and unprofessional conduct. Rupar, in turn, has framed the White House’s responses as attempts to intimidate journalists covering the administration.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the White House and press corps, particularly regarding access and media management during presidential travel. Press wranglers like Acra play a critical role in organizing media coverage, ensuring security protocols are followed, and maintaining schedules for the president’s movements.