WASHINGTON—White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt found herself in a tense exchange with a journalist during Tuesday’s press briefing after calling out the reporter for allegedly “making a face” during her remarks on President Donald Trump’s escalating trade dispute with Canada.
The exchange, first reported by The Irish Star, occurred after Leavitt addressed Trump’s recent announcement of 50% tariffs on aluminum and steel imports from Canada, which prompted Ontario Premier Doug Ford to threaten to cut off electricity supplies to the United States.
More: Trump Suggests He Ordered Arrest of Columbia Student Over Protest, Calls for Mass Deportations
More: MSNBC’s Wallace Slams Press Secretary Over False Tariff Claims in Briefing
Ontario provides power to approximately 1.5 million American homes across Minnesota, Michigan, and New York. In response to Ford’s comments, Leavitt issued a stern warning. “There would be grave consequences for Canada if they think about shutting off electricity for the United States of America and our citizens,” she stated.
Following her remarks on the tariffs, Leavitt suddenly turned her attention to a reporter in the briefing room. “To the woman in the purple, ’cause I saw you were making a face at my previous answer, what’s going on?” she asked.
The journalist, visibly surprised, responded with, “Oh, did I?” before moving on to her question regarding the Trump administration’s stance on pro-Palestinian protests and its reported plans to deport green card holders who participate in them.
“At the core, the pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses and elsewhere is a demand to end the war in Gaza, which is a goal that this administration actually supports and has pursued,” the reporter stated. “So why has this not been acknowledged or highlighted?”
Leavitt pushed back, arguing that flyers distributed at these protests contained Hamas propaganda and “promoted violence.” She also referenced a statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who announced that the administration “will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported.”
Leavitt asserted that Rubio had exercised his authority and that the administration “fully believes that we are going to move forward with more arrests.” Following the briefing, reactions online were swift, with many mocking Leavitt for her reaction to the reporter’s facial expression. The Daily Mail’s comment section was filled with criticism.
More: Maxine Waters Exposes “Rug Pull” Scam in Trump’s Crypto Coin, Investors Lose $2 Billion
More: Rep. Chip Roy Defends Thomas Massie Amid Trump’s Criticism, Backs GOP Spending Bill
“This whole administration is run by children,” one user wrote. “Administration of snowflakes,” another quipped. “She is so far out of her depth. She thinks she is being smart, but this will come crashing down on her,” a third commenter added.
Others ridiculed the idea of controlling facial expressions in the briefing room, with one writing, “Censoring facial expressions is a new low.” While Leavitt stood firm on the administration’s position regarding trade and immigration, the viral moment has added another layer of controversy to an already heated political climate.
For You:
- “The Best and Healthiest Decision” Bethenny Frankel Reveals Surprise Move to Florida for Her and Daughter’s Future
- “She Was Going to Surprise My Wife”: Family Testifies in Trial Over Innocent Mother Killed in Police Chase Crash
- “Biden, You Can’t Hide” Protesters Hijack Secret Harvard Visit as Gaffes and Melting Ice Cream Steal the Spotlight
- “Why Do They Always Skip?” Prince William and Kate Middleton will not be joining King Charles at the Easter gathering
- Real reason why Kelly Clarkson is unable to answer million-dollar question