“No Greater Advocate for Free and Fair Press”: Trump’s New Press Secretary Praises, Then Criticizes Media

Donald Trump’s newly appointed White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, praised the incoming president as a staunch supporter of a free and fair press while simultaneously accusing media outlets of hostility and dishonesty. The remarks came during Leavitt’s first interview since her historic appointment as the youngest person to hold the position.

Appearing on Fox News Tuesday, Leavitt described Trump as “the most transparent president in American history,” highlighting his accessibility to the press during his first term and throughout his campaigns. “There is no greater advocate for free and fair press than Donald Trump,” Leavitt told host Sean Hannity. “During his first term as a president, he was the most transparent president in American history. That continued on the campaign trail despite the fact that he has exposed the media for being incredibly hostile and fake.

They have pushed lies and hoaxes about him for eight years. They consistently take his words out of context.” Leavitt also took aim at what she called the “legacy media,” claiming the 2024 election demonstrated that “the American people are no longer buying the lies” perpetuated by traditional outlets.

Hannity pressed her on whether she would rearrange the White House briefing room to sideline mainstream media in favor of new media outlets. Leavitt declined to commit to a specific course of action, saying she would defer to Trump on how press briefings should be conducted. “We will certainly look at options on how to respect the tradition of the White House while also ensuring that the press briefing room reflects the media habits of the American people today,” she said.

Hannity praised Leavitt’s appointment but acknowledged the challenges of her new role, noting Trump’s ability to dominate media narratives himself. “Nobody speaks to the press about Donald Trump better than Donald Trump, so it’s a tough position you’re being put in,” Hannity remarked.

Leavitt’s comments highlight Trump’s ongoing contentious relationship with the media, a defining feature of his political career. Her appointment signals a continuation of Trump’s combative media strategy, where traditional outlets are often labeled as adversaries while newer platforms receive greater prominence. How this approach will reshape the White House press dynamic remains to be seen.