President Donald Trump called CNN contributor April Ryan “nasty” and a “loser” during a press gaggle on Friday.

Trump, responding to a question about CNN’s Jim Acosta’s press pass, said that reporters have a duty to respect the White House and the office of the presidency. The president quickly pivoted to April Ryan, who has a habit of yelling out of turn in press briefings and at press conferences.

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“I mean, you talk about somebody that’s a loser,” Trump said. “She doesn’t know what the hell she’s doing. She gets publicity and then she gets a pay raise — she gets a contract with, I think, CNN.”

“But she’s very nasty and she shouldn’t be. You’ve gotta treat the White House and the office of the presidency with respect,” he concluded.

Acosta jumped to Ryan’s defense on Twitter, writing, “My friend @AprilDRyan is an incredible journalist and a wonderful person. If you got to know April as I know her, you would love her too.”

My friend @AprilDRyan is an incredible journalist and a wonderful person. If you got to know April as I know her, you would love her too. #1A — Jim Acosta (@Acosta) November 9, 2018

“I will continue to ask the questions that affect America, all of America,” Ryan asserted.

I love this country and have the most respect for the Office of the President. I will continue to ask the questions that affect America, all of America. — AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) November 9, 2018

Ryan came under fire at Wednesday’s post-midterm press conference with the president after she repeatedly interrupted the questioning of The Daily Caller’s Saagar Enjeti.

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No, #AprilRyan. @POTUS did not tell you to “sit down” because of your race and gender. He’s an EQUAL opportunist when it comes to putting out-of-line journalists in their place. #TrishRegan #TrishIntel pic.twitter.com/mOQHKwyj13 — Trish Regan (@trish_regan) November 9, 2018

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