What To Know
- Clarissa Ward posted a lighthearted dancing video, which drew criticism from President Trump’s Rapid Response team on social media.
- Ward responded to the mockery by defending her actions.
- The incident sparked debate online, with some criticizing Ward’s behavior and others sharing support.
CNN’s chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward has hit back at the White House after she was mocked for daring to share a video of herself dancing, of all things.
Ward previously posted the video on Instagram, which included a montage set to Peaches & Herb’s “Shake Your Groove Thing.” The reporter, who was seemingly en route to Mallorca, Spain, to cover the total solar eclipse, was seen dancing on a train, pulling funny faces, taking a vape hit, and hugging two of her CNN colleagues.
For some reason, this upset President Donald Trump‘s official Rapid Response 47 X account, which reshared Ward’s video and wrote a scathing attack. “Imagine being a self-described ‘serious’ journalist at CNN and acting like a complete freak in public, embarrassing yourself all for some social media clicks,” they wrote alongside the video.
They added, “Honey, nobody wants to watch that hot mess. @clarissaward”
Ward later responded to the post, firing back, “Dancing is good for the soul.”
Dancing is good for the soul 💗💃💪✌️
— Clarissa Ward (@clarissaward) August 12, 2026
Many social media users appeared confused by the White House’s attack, especially as the president himself enjoys a boogie. In fact, Trump’s two-fisted pump dance has become such a trademark that it has its own Wikipedia page and has been imitated and/or mocked by NFL players, MLB stars, and the Belgium national soccer team.
“I think you look great!! So happy to see the fun and joy!!” wrote one X user in response to Ward.
“You go girl! When people throw negative energy at you, way to shake it off!” said another.
Another added, “You must be doing something right if you made the whackos in the WH jealous! Great to see.”
“You’re an excellent reporter, most people don’t see you on TV unless there are literal bombs dropping around you… I think you’ve more than earned the right to let loose!!” one fan wrote.
Though others weren’t quite so kind, including one X user who wrote, “You being “quirky” for the sake of being “quirky” makes you look like a try hard seeking attention.”
“Phony and embarrassing. Grow the f**k up you look ridiculous. Dance by yourself in private,” said another.
“Exhibiting in public at your age feels more like narcissism to me,” another added.
Ward previously explained her excitement exhibited in the video, writing in the caption, “When you get an assignment that is just good fun…. Feeling PUMPED! Can you tell? Drinks on me for anyone who can guess what I’m going to cover.”
She added, “Actually, there are some pretty blatant clues in there so you might have to settle for a like. And remember, if you’re not laughing your ass off and making a tit out of yourself, you’re doing this wrong!!”