Reporter April Ryan on Spicer confrontation: I shook my head ‘in disbelief’

Journalist April Ryan said Wednesday that she was only shaking her head in “disbelief” Tuesday when a combative White House press secretary Sean Spicer told her to “stop shaking your head.”

Ryan, the White House correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks, said she just wanted an answer to her question. When Spicer repeatedly accused her of having an agenda, she eventually shook her head.

“Disbelief — I was just asking a question, trying to get an answer and I found myself trying to defend myself,” Ryan said on CNN’s “New Day.”

.@AprilDRyan "I did shake my head … in disbelief" after reviewing tape of @PressSec's reaction to Russia question https://t.co/mF1EYTtCKG

— New Day (@NewDay) March 29, 2017

“I didn’t shake my head at first and I reviewed the tape. I did shake my head towards the end in disbelief,” Ryan said.

{mosads}Ryan said the Trump administration regularly attacks the press.

“And as an administration is calling us the enemy of the people, I guess we saw some of that thought process yesterday. … We are the press who is under attack. We are under attack by this administration. It is about discrediting credible media. And, you know, at this point, I happen to be a black woman, but I’m part of the press,” Ryan said, referring to President Trump tweeting that the press “is the enemy of the American people.”

Ryan cited another recent incident where Spicer called Politico reporter Tara Palmeri an “idiot with no real sources.” 

“I guess this is part of a series of two women this week who have been in the news over something with the press secretary,” Ryan said. 

Spicer accused Ryan of having an agenda after she asked a question about Russian ties to the Trump administration.

“I appreciate your agenda here. … At some point, report the facts,” Spicer said.

Spicer said lawmakers from both parties who had been briefed about Russian ties to the Trump administration “come away with the same conclusion.”

“So I’m sure that disgusts you. You’re shaking your head. … It seems like you are hell-bent to trying to make sure that whatever image you want to tell about this White House stays,” Spicer added, as Ryan repeatedly interjected “I’m just reporting.”

“You are asking me a question and I’m going to answer it. Which is the president — I’m sorry — please stop shaking your head again,” Spicer continued.