In a light-hearted moment during a press conference in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump appeared to jest about his White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt. The interaction took place on Tuesday, 31 March, while Trump was signing an executive order, and it offered a glimpse into the dynamic between the two figures as they navigate the complexities of the media landscape.
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At 79 years old, Trump targeted the media while addressing reporters, claiming that he consistently received an overwhelming majority of negative coverage. “I got 93% bad publicity, some people say 97%, but somewhere between those figures,” he stated, implying that the press’s portrayal of him has been significantly unfavourable. He then turned his attention to Leavitt, who is 28 and preparing to go on maternity leave next month for her second child.
In a seemingly tongue-in-cheek manner, Trump remarked, “A person that gets 97% of bad… maybe Karoline’s doing a poor job, I don’t know,” directly addressing her and stating, “You’re doing a terrible job.” Despite these remarks, a White House representative clarified that the comments were intended as a joke, showcasing the often humorous, albeit contentious, relationship between the president and the media.
In a subsequent attempt to gauge the room, Trump asked the reporters present if they thought Leavitt should remain in her role, concluding with, “Shall we keep her? I think we’ll keep her.” This playful exchange underlined Trump’s efforts to portray a united front, even while acknowledging the “bad press” he perceives to receive.
Emphasising his belief that the public is sceptical of media narratives, Trump insisted, “When you get 93-97% bad press, and you win in a landslide, you know what that says? People don’t believe the press.” It is essential to note that Trump won the presidency with 49.8% of the popular vote in 2020, a fact that he often cites as evidence of his disconnect from media portrayal.
Leavitt, who holds the distinction of being the youngest press secretary in history, has been no stranger to the spotlight throughout her tenure. In October, she caught media attention when Trump abruptly shifted focus to her performance during a question about international relations. He asked the press corps, “How’s Karoline doing? Is she doing good?” This prompted a wave of affirmative responses from reporters, to which Trump assured, “That will never happen,” in reference to her potential replacement.
Continuing the playful banter, Trump made a memorable comment about Leavitt, saying, “That face… and those lips, they move like a machine gun.” Such remarks seem to underline his tendency to personalise his conversations about his staff, showcasing a fusion of admiration and humour.
In previous interviews, Trump has expressed similar praise for Leavitt, asserting, “She’s a star, and she’s great. I don’t think anybody has ever had a better press secretary than Karoline. She’s been amazing,” reflecting a sense of loyalty and support for her amidst the rigours of a challenging role.
Leavitt, appointed as press secretary when Trump began his second term in January 2025, had previously served as his national press secretary during the 2024 presidential campaign. Her ascent within the ranks of the administration illustrates a closeness to Trump that perhaps informs the president’s public displays of camaraderie.
Additionally, Leavitt recently garnered attention when a photograph featuring her with her son and a turkey was allegedly deleted by Agence France-Presse (AFP) after the White House deemed it “unflattering.” However, AFP later denied that the White House had requested its removal, clarifying that it was taken down due to quality concerns.
The interplay between Trump and Leavitt not only highlights their unique rapport but also showcases the challenges and pressures that accompany the role of press secretary, particularly in an administration known for its contentious relationship with the media. As Leavitt prepares for her maternity leave, the future dynamics of the press office may become a focal point for observant political analysts and the public alike.