'Fake news': Maryland congressman denies 'dispute' with White House staffer at Memorial Day event

A spokesman for Maryland Rep. Andy Harris denied the congressman got into an argument during a Memorial Day visit to Fort McHenry with President Trump after a reporter traveling with the group overheard him yelling.

The White House pool reporter said Harris, a Republican, was "seen engaging in a dispute with a White House advance staffer." The pool reporter from McClatchy said the context of the spat was not clear, but noted that Harris was heard yelling "bullshit" at the staffer.

John Dutton, a spokesman for Harris, told the New York Post that there was no such fight and that Harris did not curse at anybody.

"This is fake news," Harris said. "In order to be heard, as is necessary when wearing a face shield, he was speaking loudly to the staffer discussing outdoor CDC guidance. Of course, he did not curse at anyone."

Trump, who also laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, delivered a speech during his visit to Fort McHenry, which is near Baltimore, paying homage to troops who have died in service to the country.

Baltimore Mayor Jack Young had urged Trump to reconsider his visit this weekend, saying it sent the wrong message to the city, which is still under a stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus.