‘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.”

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