Full Breakdown
Karoline Leavitt Says Reporters Apologized for “Unfair” Questions, Calls White House Briefings “Performative”
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Sean Hannity’s “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” podcast that several reporters have privately apologized to her after asking questions she described as “unfair.” She framed the briefings as having “a performative aspect,” especially on the press side.
Background & Context
Leavitt, 29, became the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary when former President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025. She previously worked on Trump’s 2024 campaign and as a spokeswoman for his MAGA Inc. super-PAC. After roughly 20 months in the role, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that Leavitt would leave the White House at the end of the month to spend more time with her two young children. Leavitt confirmed she will return to MAGA Inc. as an outside adviser and has begun renovating a property in Florida.
Official Statements & Responses
Leavitt herself emphasized that both the administration and the media contribute to the “theatrical” nature of briefings, noting that reporters are often compelled by senior editors to pursue particular angles. She also highlighted perceived improvements at CBS News, citing leadership changes that she believes have led to “more fairness, truth, and accuracy” in coverage of the administration.
Data & Statistics
- Leavitt’s tenure lasted approximately one-and-a-half years, from January 2025 to August 2026.
- She has two children: a two-year-old son, Nicholas (“Niko”), and a daughter, Viviana (“Vivi”), born in May 2026.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s a performative aspect to the briefing room. In fairness, I think on both sides, right? But definitely with the press, and they have to do that because their bosses are demanding it,” — Karoline Leavitt, former White House press secretary
- “You know, we’re seeing big changes at CBS, which I think are great. I think we’ve seen a lot of improvement with them, and again, we’re not asking for, like, positive puff pieces every day. Just fairness. Truth. Accuracy,” — Karoline Leavitt
- “There are some I enjoy less than others. I'll say that… There's some that I just don't take seriously because they are just left-wing hacks, as I would call them in the briefing room.” — Scott Pelley, Fox News
- “Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect,” — Donald Trump, former president
What’s Next
Leavitt’s successor has not yet been named. Potential candidates mentioned in media reports include Alina Habba, former acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey, and Matthew Boyle, Breitbart Washington bureau chief. The White House is expected to announce a permanent replacement in the coming weeks.
