Nearly two days after former President Donald Trump was struck in the face with a boom mic during a press briefing, social media users have identified the journalist behind the incident. Independent journalist Laura Loomer led an investigation that identified Danielle Kurtzleben, a White House reporter for NPR, as the responsible individual.
The incident occurred Friday night when Trump addressed reporters before departing on Air Force One to Palm Beach. While answering questions, a female reporter’s boom microphone, commonly called a “dead cat” due to its fuzzy windscreen, unexpectedly struck him. The event quickly sparked controversy online, with many questioning whether the act was intentional and criticizing the apparent lack of immediate response from the Secret Service.
Identity Confirmed, Questions Remain
Laura Loomer broke the news Sunday, identifying Kurtzleben as the journalist involved. Shortly after, Kurtzleben locked her social media accounts, fueling speculation. NPR has yet to release a statement addressing the incident or confirm whether authorities have questioned their reporter.
SCOOP
I have identified the reporter who hit President @realDonaldTrump in the face with a boom mic this week while he was speaking to the press on the tarmac.
Her name is Danielle Kurtzleben @titonka. She is the newly appointed White House reporter for @NPR and a massive… pic.twitter.com/dgViKT8wdA
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) March 16, 2025
Critics argue that a physical incident involving U.S. President Donald Trump, accidental or not, warrants immediate investigation. “She should be nowhere near the president,” journalist Miranda Devine commented on social media, calling for NPR to take action.
The Gateway Pundit reached out to NPR for comment but has yet to receive a response. Meanwhile, the Secret Service faces questions about whether they interviewed the reporter, inspected her equipment, or imposed future press briefing restrictions. This story is developing.
