‘You are clueless:’ White House raps reporter’s criticism of Trump for avoiding Iran question

The White House responded after an ABC reporter slammed Trump for spending one-plus hour signing an executive order but avoiding questions on the Iran situation
President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House fired back at a reporter who criticized Trump for not taking questions on Iran during an event discussing the treatment research to help Army officials battling PTSD.

The incident occurred on Saturday, April 18, during a signing event at the Oval Office focusing on mental health.

White House rips into reporter for asking 'irrelevant' question

The White House responded after an ABC reporter slammed Trump for spending one-plus hour signing an executive order but avoiding questions on the Iran situation.



"Trump just had an hour-plus executive order signing in the Oval Office with reporters in the room,” reporter Selina Wang wrote on X. “He did not take a single question on Iran.”

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

In a strong-worded reply to Wang’s post, the White House reminded her of the event’s objective and said she was “clueless” for asking irrelevant questions.

“You are clueless, @selinawangtv,” the White House wrote.

Further writing what the event was about, the post added, “The event was about accelerating research to help people struggling with serious mental illnesses — like veterans, who say it’s a lifeline in their battles with PTSD and contemplating suicide. Is that not a worthwhile topic for you?”

Trump orders to expedite drug research to heal veterans

President Donald Trump on Saturday, April 18,  signed an executive order to expedite research into the psychedelic ibogaine to treat army officials suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.

Podcaster Joe Rogan suggested the drug.

The drug in question is categorized as Schedule I in the United States, preventing deep and extensive studies about the drug and how it works.

The new executive order has removed that restriction, allowing area experts to study the medicine and help military officials struggling with PTSD following deployment in a conflict zone.

President Donald Trump listens to speeches before signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump listens to speeches before signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

As per the order, FDA protocols will be established for the 'safe therapeutic use' of psychedelics, as well as improve data sharing on studies surrounding the treatment.

Trump assures breakthrough treatment access to Americans

Preliminary research about the psychedelic ibogaine indicates that the drug can help alleviate mental illness. The current executive order particularly focuses on its use for military veterans facing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“I’ve always believed in ensuring that the American patients have access to breakthrough treatments and therapies with love for our veterans, and I have a real love for our veterans,” Trump said Saturday.

“Today’s order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and lead happier lives. They’ve been through so much.”

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Iran fired missiles after the US downed drones over the Strait of Hormuz and struck a military site in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran
49 minutes ago
Todd Blanche called the remarks a federal crime and condemned the protester for allegedly threatening an ICE officer, along with his wife and children
3 hours ago
Anti-Trump groups have used his birthday as a focal point for demonstrations
3 hours ago
Donald Trump also praised Jaxson Dart, saying he has 'tremendous potential' and that 'he's gonna be great' if he stays healthy
3 hours ago
Experts say remains found near Nancy Guthrie’s home belong to an ancient Native American burial site dating back centuries
4 hours ago
Caitlyn Aguiar, the creator of the video, said Pam Bondi deserved to suffer for the harm she allegedly caused others, calling it 'karma'
4 hours ago
Nearly six months after leaving the White House, the former President revealed, in May last year, that he had been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer
4 hours ago
Trump promises the historic site will be fully ready for a spectacular 250th Fourth of July celebration
5 hours ago
The report said Donald Trump underwent a range of tests assessing his cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and visual health
5 hours ago
The judge's ruling found that the Kennedy Center’s board lacked authority to rename the institution without congressional approval
5 hours ago