Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says some reporters have privately apologized to her for asking “unfair” questions, explaining that their editors pushed them to do it.
Leavitt made the remarks during an appearance on “Hang Out with Sean Hannity,” where she described what she called a performative element inside the White House briefing room.
“There’s a performative aspect to the briefing room. In fairness, I think on both sides, right? But definitely with the press, and they have to do that because their bosses are demanding it,” Leavitt said.
She went on to reveal that some members of the press corps have admitted as much to her directly.
“There’s been times reporters have even said to me, ‘I’m sorry, I had to ask that today. You know, my bosses really wanted me to ask that,'” Leavitt said. “They know it’s an unfair question, but they’re not in control of their own livelihood, they are dictated by the editors and the execs at some of these companies.”
The former press secretary also had words of praise for CBS, pointing to what she described as “big changes” at the network.
“I think we’ve seen a lot of improvement with them,” Leavitt said.
She stressed that the administration was not looking for favorable coverage, only fair coverage.
“And again, we’re not asking for like positive puff pieces every day. Just fairness, truth, accuracy, just telling a story or writing about factual information,” Leavitt continued.
Leavitt argued that basic reporting on the president’s actions should not be controversial.
“Writing about an Executive Order that the President of the United States signed should not be a questionable thing,” she said. “A journal — should a journalist do that or not? It should just be ‘Yeah, of course I’ll write about this.'”
President Donald Trump announced in August that Leavitt would be stepping down from her role as press secretary.
In a post on Truth Social, the president heaped praise on Leavitt and said she would be leaving to spend more time with her family.
“Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!” Trump wrote.
The president made clear Leavitt would remain in his orbit, saying she would take on a new advisory role.
“Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections,” Trump wrote.
Trump went on to celebrate her years of service, which he said stretched back to 2018 and included his 2024 campaign.
“Karoline has been a real leader in the White House, and has done a phenomenal job fighting for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom, since 2018, including our Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024,” the president wrote. “Karoline has been one of the best White House Press Secretaries
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