Overview
- Trump, speaking in the Oval Office on Tuesday, told Karoline Leavitt “You’re doing a terrible job” and asked aloud whether to keep her.
- He claimed he gets “93–97%” negative coverage while labeling outlets like the New York Times and Washington Post dishonest, a figure several reports noted lacks evidence.
- Laughter followed in the room, the clip spread online, and critics said he threw her under the bus, while a White House representative told People the remark was a joke.
- Leavitt remains in the role and is expected to take maternity leave next month, and she later shared behind‑the‑scenes posts from his televised address and voiced support.
- Reports linked the exchange to Trump’s past personal remarks about Leavitt’s appearance, including comparing her lips to a “machine gun,” and to his long-running push to erode trust in the press.