Former Springfield anchor Beni Harmony joins White House

Former Springfield television anchor Beni Rae Harmony has joined President Donald Trump’s administration as an assistant White House press secretary, less than a year after leaving local television for a position covering the White House.

Harmony, 24, announced Friday that she had accepted the position and would begin her new role Monday. The White House also confirmed the appointment.

The move brings Harmony from the White House press corps into the administration’s communications team. She most recently served as a senior White House correspondent for Real America’s Voice, which she joined in September 2025. In that role, Harmony became a regular member of the White House press pool and traveled with Trump, including on a presidential trip to Ireland.

Before moving to Washington, Harmony was a familiar face to Springfield-area television viewers through her work at WICS-ABC20. Her departure from the station drew attention in September 2025 after she was suspended following an on-air tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk after his assassination. Harmony subsequently left the station and joined Real America’s Voice.

Harmony also has previous experience in political communications. She worked with Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Kirk, and has held positions connected to Republican political campaigns and members of Congress.

In announcing her new position, Harmony said her work as a White House correspondent had focused on asking questions she believed mattered to Americans and ensuring their voices were heard. She thanked Trump for the opportunity and said she looked forward to serving in the administration.

White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly also confirmed the appointment, describing Harmony as a trusted voice for the president’s movement and welcoming her to the communications team.

Harmony joins the White House at a time of transition for its press operation. Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt left the position in August, and the administration has not announced a permanent replacement. Harmony is joining the broader press team as an assistant press secretary and spokesperson rather than filling the press secretary position.

Her appointment comes roughly a year after her departure from Springfield television, taking her from a local newsroom to covering the White House and now to a position within the administration itself.