Political Tribune

Donald Trump, Opinion, Politics, Social Media

Trump Turns On Leavitt Brutal Oval Office Moment— Reportedly Blames Her For His Falling Approval

Always someone else

591
591 points

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office while signing an executive order, Trump launched into his familiar media rant before pivoting to the woman standing just off camera.

“I got 93% bad publicity,” he said. “Some people say 97, but between 93 and 97. A person that gets 97% – maybe Karoline’s doing a poor job, I don’t know.”

He then turned to face her. “You’re doing a terrible job.”

The president went on to ask reporters, “Shall we keep her? I think we’ll keep her,” before continuing to talk about the bad press he receives.

The room laughed. Leavitt kept her composure. The White House later confirmed it was a joke.

Leavitt, 28 and pregnant with her second child, is expected to go on maternity leave next month.

The numbers Trump cited are, as usual, unverified.

He was elected with 49.8% of the popular vote, which he regularly describes as a landslide. He offered no source for the 93% or 97% figures, though he referenced reading the statistic “someplace” in a separate appearance months earlier.

He then concluded: “When you get 93 to 97 bad stories, bad press, and you win in a landslide, you know what that says? People don’t believe the press.”

Social media had a different read.

This was not the first public Leavitt moment this week.

AFP had just deleted a photo of her holding her young son next to a pardoned turkey at a Thanksgiving-themed briefing in November after reportedly being made aware the White House found it unflattering. AFP said the photo was removed for quality reasons. The White House denied asking for the deletion.

It is also not the first time Trump has publicly questioned whether to keep her.

In October, mid-answer about international diplomacy, he pivoted to ask reporters: “How’s Karoline doing? Is she doing good? Should Karoline be replaced?” When the group expressed support for her, he assured them: “Never happen.” He then added, as a reporter tried to ask a question: “That face… and those lips, they move like a machine gun.”

Featured image via X screengrab 

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Terry Lawson

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Terry is an editor and political writer based in Alabama. Over the last five years, he’s worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter for a range of companies, helping shape voices and tell stories that connect. Now at Political Tribune, he writes sharp political pieces and edits with a close eye on clarity and tone. Terry’s work is driven by strong storytelling, attention to detail, and a clear sense of purpose. He’s skilled in writing, editing, and project management — and always focused on getting the message right. You can find him on X at https://x.com/TerryNotTrump.

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