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September 03, 2025 – USA –
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has ignited controversy after singling out a CBS News journalist, echoing the combative media strategy long associated with Donald Trump. In an interview with The Daily Caller, Leavitt referred to the journalist as “stupid,” sparking criticism that the remark was not only unprofessional but also emblematic of the administration’s increasingly adversarial stance toward mainstream press outlets. The exchange quickly spread across social media, drawing both condemnation and praise depending on political affiliation.
Leavitt, at just 27 years old, has become one of the youngest and most polarizing figures to hold the position of White House press secretary. Her style departs sharply from the cautious professionalism of many of her predecessors, leaning instead into a combative posture that mirrors the rhetoric Trump himself often used against journalists during his presidency. Supporters of the administration applaud Leavitt’s bluntness, framing her willingness to insult reporters as refreshing candor that pushes back against what they view as entrenched media bias.
Critics, however, argue that her comments undermine the credibility of the White House press office, which traditionally serves as a conduit of information between the administration and the public. Media watchdogs have expressed concern that dismissing or insulting reporters could chill critical questioning and further erode the role of independent journalism in holding power to account. The episode with the CBS journalist is not the first time Leavitt has clashed with members of the press. She has repeatedly favored interviews with right-leaning outlets while downplaying or ignoring mainstream media inquiries, a practice critics say reduces transparency.
The controversy also highlights a larger struggle over narrative control. Trump’s White House has sought to bypass traditional press channels, relying heavily on social media and sympathetic outlets to shape public perception. Leavitt’s comments reflect this ongoing strategy, signaling that combative press relations are not merely incidental but central to the administration’s approach.
For CBS, the incident underscores the tense relationship between mainstream media and the Trump White House. While reporters continue to push for access and accountability, they now face an environment where sharp rebukes and personal attacks from senior officials have become routine.
Reference –
https://www.aol.com/karoline-leavitt-singles-cbs-journalist-111512243.html
