Experienced Journalist Loses Composure Live!

During a tense White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was pressed aggressively by an Associated Press reporter. The reporter suggested that President Trump’s proposed tariffs functioned as a hidden tax hike, setting the tone for a sharp exchange.

Leavitt rejected the claim outright, insisting the tariffs should not be viewed as a tax on Americans. She argued instead that they are aimed at foreign governments that, in her words, have taken advantage of U.S. trade policies for years.

According to Leavitt, the administration sees tariffs as a way to correct long-standing trade imbalances and defend American industries. She emphasized that the policy is designed to support workers, not burden households.

She explained that tariffs target unfair practices such as dumping cheap goods, currency manipulation, and weakening U.S. manufacturing. Countries that continue these behaviors, she said, would bear the cost rather than American consumers.

Addressing concerns about higher prices, Leavitt acknowledged there could be short-term effects. However, she maintained that long-term benefits like stronger supply chains and higher wages would outweigh initial disruptions.

When questioned about whether businesses might pass costs to consumers, Leavitt conceded it was possible. Still, she argued that fair and reciprocal trade would ultimately leave Americans financially better off.

She closed by pointing to the administration’s broader tax agenda, which includes proposed cuts on overtime, tips, and Social Security benefits. Leavitt concluded that balanced trade would support job growth, wage increases, and economic expansion.