Karoline Leavitt Holds First Briefing as White House Press Secretary, Defends Trump's Policies
In her debut briefing, Leavitt defends Trump’s decision to freeze federal aid, calling it a commitment to fiscal responsibility.
WASHINGTON — Karoline Leavitt made her first appearance as White House press secretary on Tuesday, defending President Donald Trump’s recent decision to freeze federal aid and his administration’s push for mass deportations. Leavitt, 27, became the youngest person ever to serve in this role.
Facing a barrage of questions, Leavitt argued that the temporary halt on federal funding is in line with the administration's promise to be “good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” a key platform in Trump’s campaign.
“This pause is about making sure we are properly managing our resources,” Leavitt explained. “This is what the American people expect from President Trump.”
She clarified that the pause on federal aid is not a blanket freeze and would not affect individual assistance, though when pressed about Medicaid specifically, she acknowledged uncertainty. "I’ll check back on that," Leavitt said after confirming that access to Medicaid websites was temporarily suspended due to the freeze.
After the briefing, Leavitt posted on social media that the Medicaid portals would be restored shortly. She also noted that she was awaiting a full list of impacted programs from the Office of Management and Budget.
In a significant shift from traditional practices, Leavitt's briefing also introduced a new approach to media access. She invited independent and nontraditional media outlets, such as Axios and Breitbart, to the briefing room, breaking from the usual protocol of offering the first question to The Associated Press. The move reflects Trump’s continued efforts to connect with a broader audience, including younger Americans, through alternative media channels.
“I’m proud to open up this room to voices from across the media landscape,” Leavitt said. “It’s important that all Americans hear the president’s message, and this will ensure outlets like Axios and Breitbart have a seat at the table.”
Leavitt also invited independent journalists, bloggers, and content creators, including TikTokers and podcasters, to apply for White House press credentials. She emphasized that anyone producing legitimate news content, regardless of platform, could be eligible for accreditation.
Throughout the briefing, Leavitt called on a diverse range of reporters, taking questions from both major news outlets and more conservative sources. She fielded queries on various topics, including immigration policy, recent arrests, and the removal of Justice Department prosecutors involved in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigations.
On immigration, Leavitt reinforced that deportation efforts would prioritize criminals, but made clear that those who entered the country illegally or overstayed visas would not be exempt from removal.
Regarding the firing of DOJ prosecutors, Leavitt defended the president's authority, stating that as the head of the executive branch, Trump had the right to dismiss anyone within it.
Leavitt also assured reporters that both she and Trump would be available to answer questions as often as possible, noting that the president is “the best spokesperson” for his administration.
The briefing, lasting 47 minutes, was a clear signal of the new White House’s intentions to reshape its relationship with the media and communicate more directly with the American public.