If you like to tune into the White House daily pressing briefings, the past four years have been rough. Joe Biden’s first White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, was horrible and notorious for not answering questions, promising to “circle back” to an issue at a later time. When Karine Jean-Pierre succeeded her, things got worse. But on Tuesday, Karoline Leavitt held her first White House daily press briefing, and it was spectacular.
Talk about an upgrade from Jean-Pierre. I can still remember when Jean-Pierre took over for Psaki. It was immediately obvious that the administration promoted her for her diversity score rather than competence. She struggled a lot, often appearing unprepared, evading questions, and relying heavily on a big binder of cheat sheets to provide answers that were often meant for a completely different question. Her performance was so concerning that the White House eventually needed to bring in John Kirby to assist her. It didn’t stop the media from fawning over her and her “historic” role as the first lesbian immigrant woman of color to serve in the role.
At just 27 years old, Leavitt has also made history as the youngest person to hold the position. Yet, despite her youth, she has approached the role with a level of competence and forthrightness that has been noticeably lacking over the past four years.
Her debut in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room was marked by a blend of poise, sharp wit, and a clear understanding of both policy and media dynamics, which were evident from the get-go. If you watched the briefing, you may have noticed she didn’t need a binder.
In contrast to the lies and obfuscation we’ve endured from the podium for the past four years, Leavitt tackled tough questions with ease and honesty. One of the first things she did was tell us something that the Biden administration refused to do: tell us what the suspicious drone activity in New Jersey late last year was all about.
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“And before I turn to questions, I do have news directly from the President of the United States that was just shared with me in the Oval Office,” she said. “From President Trump directly, an update on the New Jersey drones. After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons. Many of these drones were also hobbyists, recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones. ... In time it got worse due to curiosity. This was not the enemy.”
BREAKING: The White House Press Secretary just CONFIRMED that the drones in New Jersey were "not the enemy!"
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 28, 2025
THIS is what transparency looks like! pic.twitter.com/jGaVHpNszc
Why the Biden administration wouldn't tell us this, I have no idea.
It gets better. One of my favorite moments was when she called the mainstream media liars right to their faces.
"While I vow to provide the truth from this podium, we ask that all of you in this room hold yourselves to that same standard. We know for a fact there have been lies that have been pushed by many legacy media outlets in this country about this president, about his family, and we will not accept that," she said. "We will call you out when we feel that your reporting is wrong or there is misinformation about this White House. So, yes, I will hold myself to the truth, and I expect everyone in this room to do the same."
BOOM: Karoline Leavitt just CALLED OUT liberal media liars TO THEIR FACES:
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 28, 2025
"We know for a fact there have been lies that have been pushed by many legacy media outlets in this country about this president, about his family, and we WILL NOT ACCEPT THAT. We will call you out when… pic.twitter.com/Z8MGqyPfmr
Another classic moment came when a reporter asked her about the ICE raids. One reporter asked how many illegal aliens who have been arrested have a criminal record compared to those who are just in the United States illegally; she replied unapologetically, "All of them. Because they illegally broke our nation's laws, and therefore, they are criminals. As far as this administration goes, I know the last administration didn't see it that way, so it's a big culture shift in our nation to view someone who breaks our immigration laws as a criminal, but that's exactly what they are."
REPORTER: "How many have a criminal record, versus those who are just in the country illegally?"
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 28, 2025
LEAVITT: "ALL OF THEM! Because they illegally broke our nation's laws, and therefore, they are CRIMINALS."
BOOM! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/N7PWw3qPB7
Leavitt's first press briefing was a masterclass in media management and policy communication. Her performance today was epic, outclassing her two recent predecessors and setting a new bar for what a press secretary should be.
