DISCLAIMER: This article was first published on April 20, 2026
Since its purchase by Skydance, which closed last year, CBS News has taken a noticeable rightward turn under the leadership of company leader David Ellison and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. But that didn’t stop the president from ending an Oval Office briefing this weekend, after a question from a CBS News reporter.
According to a report by The Mirror, on Saturday, the president hosted reporters in the White House, when CBS reporter Olivia Rinaldi asked a question about the Iran war.
Tried to ask the President about two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz who were allegedly fired upon by Iranian gunboats.
President Trump: “out” https://t.co/BehRFeElgf
— Olivia Rinaldi (@olivialarinaldi) April 18, 2026
“Mr. President, a question on Iran: Iranian gunboats fired upon two vessels today. President Macron said that,” she said. Before she was done asking her question, Trump declared “out,” and aides ended the briefing. The purpose of the briefing had been to talk about the administration’s new order related to the availability of psychedelic drug treatments.
Trump chases press out of the Oval Office to hide his nervousness when CBS reporter Olivia Rinaldo asked a question about the Strait of Hormuz.
Olivia Rinaldi: “Mr. President, a question on Iran. Iranian gunboats fired upon two vessels today.
President Macron said that ….”… pic.twitter.com/sCm9C04dXq— Yasmina (@yasminalombaert) April 18, 2026
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“The rest of the press was also asked to clear as the president closed the meeting thanking everyone for attending,” The Mirror reported.
Some social media users were shocked by that moment, according one U.S. senator:
The Strait of Hormuz just closed again today, and the press are demanding answers on behalf of the American people. Trump kicks them out of the Oval Office. Shameful. https://t.co/K1KD3S8UZP
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) April 18, 2026
Why would you ask this idiot Trump about Iran?
Trump knows nothing about what’s going on in Iran https://t.co/eyRYFXFJjT
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) April 18, 2026
President Trump held a Saturday morning photo op in the Oval Office. He was not interested in taking any questions from reporters about Iran. “Out.” https://t.co/4K3112eJsh
— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) April 18, 2026
What??
I was sure he’d want to gloat about his 9th time winning the war that is now on again, but that I’m sure he’ll win again by Monday morning. https://t.co/ez8sWVd4gy
— Holly 🇺🇸🐊 (@CrossingUNStyle) April 18, 2026
Photo courtesy of an X screenshot.
