Who is Ellie Acra? White House defends staffer, tears into ‘sick freak’ journalist over viral Ireland incident

The White House has once again labeled journalist Aaron Rupar a “sick freak” as officials stood by staffer Ellie Acra, following a viral video that depicted her instructing photographers to avoid President Donald Trump during his visit to Ireland.

This confrontation arises merely a day after the administration’s Rapid Response 47 account employed comparable language to blast Rupar regarding a different post that involved Trump aide Natalie Harp, intensifying the already public dispute between the White House and the independent journalist.

In the video, Acra is seen directing members of the press corps away from a section close to Trump and his family on the runway.

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Rupar posted the clip on X, writing: “Another blonde Trump flunkie starts literally shoving photographers away from Trump.”

The Rapid Response 47 account of the White House dismissed that description, stating: “This is a press wrangler doing her job and doing it well.”

The account then launched a personal attack on Rupar, asserting: “Aaron, meanwhile, is gutter trash (in his 40s) who spends his days hiding behind his keyboard and making disturbing comments about women doing their jobs. Truly a sick freak!”

Rupar then responded by stating that the administration was once again fixating on his age, mentioning that the “taxpayer-funded incitement account” was blasting him for being in his 40s and promoting harassment.

In another post, he pointed out that it was the second consecutive day the account had aimed its attacks at him.

Having graduated from Greensburg Community High School and Purdue University, Acra has a background as a reporter prior to her current role in the administration, where she serves as a press assistant.

Acra hails from a prominent business family in southeastern Indiana.

Her grandfather, Richard “Rick” Acra, has been the owner of the Acra Automotive Group dealership network for many years and was recognized as a local Hometown Hero in 2026 for his extensive contributions to both business and the community.

The Acra family has a long-standing presence in the Greensburg area, spanning several generations.

On Saturday, Rupar shared a picture of Harp at a White House event in Ireland, accompanied by the caption: “Look who made the trip to Ireland! #TravelWithNatalie.”

Rapid Response 47 reacted by labeling him a “sick, deluded freak (in his 40s)” and claimed he was sharing “creepy things.”