In a tense White House briefing, Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt addressed a series of questions and criticisms about the Trump administration’s recent decisions, defending the president’s policies and calling out what she described as misinformation from the media. The briefing, which focused on several key issues, showcased the White House’s staunch stance on executive authority, the freeze on federal funding, and ongoing challenges with media reporting.

One of the most significant points of discussion was the freeze on federal funding, which has sparked confusion and concern among several sectors that rely on government assistance. Leavitt explained that the freeze would not affect individual assistance programs, such as Social Security benefits, Medicare, or food assistance, reassuring Americans that these crucial services would continue. However, the freeze will impact other areas, such as the funding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and certain environmental initiatives like the Green New Deal, which the administration considers wasteful spending.

“The pause is about being good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Leavitt said. “The president is making sure that every penny spent aligns with his policies and priorities. No more funding for illegal DEI programs, no more funding for the Green New Deal, and no more funding for programs that promote transgenderism across federal agencies.”

Leavitt further explained that the freeze, although it was put into effect with little notice, was necessary to correct what she referred to as the wasteful spending of the previous administration. She pointed to specific examples, including a $37 million allocation to the World Health Organization, which President Trump had already taken steps to distance the United States from, and $50 million in funds designated for condoms in Gaza, which she called a “preposterous waste of taxpayer money.”

In addition to the freeze, the briefing also touched on the administration’s recent controversial decisions regarding the firing of several inspectors general and prosecutors within the Justice Department. The White House defended these actions, asserting that the president has the executive power to remove anyone within the executive branch. Leavitt referred to a 2020 Supreme Court case, Scala Law LLC vs. the Customs Bureau Protection, to support the White House’s position on the legality of these firings. Despite criticism and concerns about the lack of the legally required 30-day notification to Congress, Leavitt maintained that these actions were within the president’s authority.

When asked about the political ramifications of these decisions, Leavitt was firm in her response, reiterating the administration’s commitment to upholding its mandate to “serve the American people.” She also took the opportunity to call out the media for what she described as “misinformation” about the president and his family. “We know for a fact there have been lies pushed by legacy media outlets, and we will not accept that,” Leavitt stated. “We will call you out when your reporting is wrong.”

The briefing also covered the administration’s stance on illegal immigration, with Leavitt reiterating the president’s commitment to deporting illegal immigrants who have broken U.S. laws. She mentioned how ICE agents have felt empowered under this administration to carry out their duties, including the removal of individuals who have entered the country illegally, citing the president’s support for their efforts.

The briefing ended with a question about the president’s foreign policy, particularly his handling of global relations and his stance on deportations. Leavitt echoed the president’s earlier comments, emphasizing the “peace through strength” approach and the cooperation of nations, like Colombia, in addressing illegal immigration and other security concerns.

Despite the growing media scrutiny, Leavitt remained defiant, confident in the administration’s actions, and reiterated the importance of holding both the White House and the press to the same standard of truth. As the administration continues to face challenges and backlash, it’s clear that Leavitt and the White House will continue to stand by their decisions, arguing that they are acting in the best interest of the American people.