The White House Press Secretary silenced a reporter for asking this idiotic question
Mainstream media outlets will do anything to bring down the Trump administration. But this is a new low.
And now the White House Press Secretary silenced a reporter for asking this idiotic question.
Karoline Leavitt Shuts Down AP Reporter Over Tariff Question
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t hold back during Tuesday’s briefing, delivering a sharp rebuke to an Associated Press (AP) reporter who questioned her grasp of economics.
The reporter attempted to frame President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs—designed to force fairer trade deals—as a “tax” that would hurt American consumers. But Leavitt wasn’t having it.
She immediately pushed back, explaining that the administration’s goal was to create a level playing field where other nations couldn’t impose massive tariffs on American goods without facing consequences.
“I think it’s insulting that you are trying to test my knowledge of economics … I now regret giving a question to the Associated Press,” Leavitt fired back, making it clear she wouldn’t entertain condescending questions from a media outlet known for its anti-Trump slant.
Her takedown highlighted the administration’s no-nonsense approach to media bias while reinforcing President Trump’s commitment to protecting American workers through bold trade policies.
Award-Winning Trump Rally Photo — But AP Banned from White House
Adding another twist to the AP’s woes, the photographer behind the now-iconic image of President Trump moments after the assassination attempt has been honored with a major award—but can no longer cover the White House.
The powerful image, showing Trump bloodied but defiant with his fist raised as Secret Service agents surrounded him, won the Political Photo of the Year from the White House News Photographers Association.
But because the photographer, Evan Vucci, works for the Associated Press—and the AP has been banned from the White House—he won’t be documenting President Trump anytime soon.
Despite the honor, Vucci took to X (formerly Twitter) to complain about the situation, claiming his work proved the importance of so-called “nonpartisan” journalism.
“This photo underscores the importance of eyewitness journalism and AP’s legacy of documenting the presidency,” Vucci posted. “I look forward to the day I can once again cover President Trump alongside my colleagues. Now more than ever, independent, nonpartisan photojournalism is essential.”
Of course, the AP’s claim to “nonpartisan” status has grown increasingly laughable given their blatant refusal to follow the White House’s updated terminology.
AP Ban Stands: White House Defends Move Against “Misinformation”
The Associated Press found itself on the wrong side of the Trump administration after refusing to update its style guide to reflect the new name, “Gulf of America,” which President Trump recently enacted through executive order.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich made it clear that the AP’s ban wasn’t just about a name—it was about accountability.
“While their right to irresponsible and dishonest reporting is protected by the First Amendment, it does not ensure their privilege of unfettered access to limited spaces, like the Oval Office and Air Force One,” Budowich explained.
He further emphasized that the decision opens up new opportunities for other media outlets, stating, “Going forward, that space will now be opened up to the many thousands of reporters who have been barred from covering these intimate areas of the administration.”
Budowich also slammed the AP’s defiance as “not just divisive, but it also exposes the Associated Press’ commitment to misinformation.”
In typical fashion, the Trump administration is standing firm—sending a clear message to media elites that they can no longer expect special treatment while pushing biased narratives.
