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Leavitt Defends 'Domestic Terrorist' Label Amid Controversy

1/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Karoline Leavitt faced White House briefing questions on January 26, 2026, about labeling Alex Pretti a 'domestic terrorist'.
Leavitt said she had not heard U.S. President Donald Trump use that label, though DHS Secretary Kristi Noem did.
Experts note there is no formal domestic-terrorism charge, making the term unusual for victims Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
The administration's rhetoric raises concerns about potential political motives behind labeling adversaries as terrorists.

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Story summary

Karoline Leavitt faced White House briefing questions on January 26, 2026, about labeling Alex Pretti a 'domestic terrorist'.
Leavitt said she had not heard U.S. President Donald Trump use that label, though DHS Secretary Kristi Noem did.
Experts note there is no formal domestic-terrorism charge, making the term unusual for victims Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
The administration's rhetoric raises concerns about potential political motives behind labeling adversaries as terrorists.