President Donald Trump’s White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tore an Associated Press (AP) reporter to shreds during Tuesday’s briefing.
Leavitt blasted the journalist for “insulting” her with his attempt to “test” her understanding of economics.
The reporter posed a question about the tariffs Trump has threatened to levy against multiple nations.
The Trump administration says the tariffs are designed to bring about trade deals that are ultimately more balanced and fair.
However, the AP reporter claimed the tariffs would just be another “tax” that would hurt American consumers.
Leavitt pushed back by immediately dropping the hammer of the corporate media operative.
She explained that the goal was to reach a balance where other nations were not placing massive tariffs on American goods without consequence.
“I think it’s insulting that you are trying to test my knowledge of economics,” Leavitt added.
“I now regret giving a question to the Associated Press.”
WATCH:
The AP’s Josh Boak challenges Karoline Leavitt on tariffs:
“I’m sorry, have you ever paid a tariff? I have.”
Karoline says in closing her response:
“I now regret giving a question to the Associated Press.” pic.twitter.com/ImFq18o81t
— The Washington Observer (@WashObserver) March 11, 2025
Adding insult to injury, the photographer who took the iconic photo of President Donald Trump just after his attempted assassination at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally has won a prestigious award for that image.
However, he is no longer allowed to cover the president.
The historic photo captured the moment when Trump stood up — face bloodied and fist raised — as Secret Service agents attempted to rush him off the stage.
The photographer, Evan Vucci, was awarded Political Photo of the Year by the White House News Photographers Association.
However, Vucci is employed by The Associated Press, and his outlet has been banned from the White House.
As a result of the AP’s anti-Trump efforts, Vucci can no longer cover the president.
Vucci complained about the scenario in a post on X.
He argues that his photo was proof that he and his outlet — which he claims was “nonpartisan” — were needed in that space.
“This photo underscores the importance of eyewitness journalism and AP’s legacy of documenting the presidency,” Vucci wrote.
“I look forward to the day I can once again cover President Trump alongside my colleagues.
“Now more than ever, independent, nonpartisan photojournalism is essential.”
The AP was banned from the White House over a refusal to update its style guide to include the Gulf of America.
The left-wing outlet refused to use the name after it was recently renamed by Trump via executive order.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich explained:
“While their right to irresponsible and dishonest reporting is protected by the First Amendment, it does not ensure their privilege of unfettered access to limited spaces, like the Oval Office and Air Force One.”
“Going forward, that space will now be opened up to the many thousands of reporters who have been barred from covering these intimate areas of the administration.
Budowich also argued that the AP’s refusal to make the change was “not just divisive, but it also exposes the Associated Press’ commitment to misinformation.”
READ MORE – Trump’s Press Secretary Earns New Nickname After ‘Taking Reporter’s Soul’ on Live TV
