White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a blistering rebuke to an Associated Press reporter during a heated exchange about President Trump’s economic policies. The confrontation has conservatives cheering as Leavitt defended Trump’s tariff strategy while accusing the press of misleading the American people.
At a glance:
• White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clashed with AP reporter Josh Boak over Trump’s economic policies
• Boak suggested tariffs were “tax hikes,” which Leavitt forcefully rejected as “not true”
• Leavitt defended tariffs as targeting foreign countries, not American citizens
• The exchange highlighted ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the Associated Press
• The AP has been barred from certain White House events over a geographical naming dispute
Leavitt Schools AP Reporter on Trump’s Economic Strategy
The confrontation erupted during a White House press briefing when Associated Press reporter Josh Boak questioned President Trump’s shift from promoting tax cuts to advocating for tariffs. Boak characterized tariffs as “tax hikes,” immediately drawing a sharp correction from Leavitt.
Leavitt firmly rejected Boak’s characterization, stating, “He is actually not implementing tax hikes. Tariffs are a tax hike on foreign countries that, again, have been ripping us off. Tariffs are a tax cut for the American people, and the President is a staunch advocate of tax cuts.”
The exchange grew more contentious when Boak attempted to lecture the Press Secretary, saying, “I’m sorry, but have you ever paid a tariff, because I have. They don’t get charged on foreign companies, they get charged on the importers.”
Trump’s America-First Trade Policy Defended
Leavitt stood her ground, noting President Trump’s commitment to protecting American workers through strategic tariffs on nations that have exploited unfair trade practices. She reiterated the President’s campaign promises of no taxes on tips, overtime, or Social Security benefits.
“He is committed to all three of those things and he expects Congress to pass them later this year,” Leavitt stated, turning the focus back to Trump’s tax-cutting agenda.
The clash comes amid President Trump’s recent announcements of tariffs targeting multiple countries. Trump had announced plans for 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and 10% on China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Growing Tensions Between White House and Media
The confrontation is the latest chapter in an increasingly strained relationship between the Trump administration and the Associated Press. The White House has recently barred the AP from certain events, including access to the Oval Office and Air Force One, over a dispute regarding geographic naming conventions.
AP spokesperson Lauren Easton criticized these restrictions, stating, “The actions taken to restrict AP’s coverage of presidential events because of how we refer to a geographic location chip away at this important right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution for all Americans.” The dispute has led to legal action by the news organization against the administration.
The market has responded to President Trump’s tariff strategy with some volatility, with the Dow falling nearly 900 points and the S&P 500 dropping 2.7% following announcements of new trade measures. Despite these fluctuations, the administration maintains that tariffs are essential to restore balance to international trade relationships. The Trump administration says it is playing the long game, and the US economy will soon feel the rewards.
Karoline Leavitt and AP reporter Josh Boak had a heated exchange during a White House briefing, with Leavitt accusing Boak of insulting remarks. The confrontation escalated as tensions rose between the two.
Leavitt called on an Associated Press reporter, who asked Leavitt why… pic.twitter.com/8PdYoS4dJP
— Yasmina (@yasminalombaert) March 11, 2025
