Additional Coverage:
- Karoline Leavitt lashes out after being told fentanyl coming from Canada is ‘size of carry-on’ (irishstar.com)
White House Press Secretary Clashes with Reporter Over Fentanyl Claim
Tensions flared in the White House briefing room Wednesday when Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was challenged on President Trump’s justification for new trade barriers. A reporter questioned the administration’s focus on fentanyl smuggling across the Canadian border, noting that only 43 pounds were seized from Canada compared to over 21,000 pounds from Mexico.
The reporter asked if the significantly smaller amount from Canada justified the President’s actions, prompting a sharp rebuke from Leavitt. She dismissed the question, stating, “You are asking me for what the president’s justification is for these tariffs.
It is not up to you. You are not the president.”
Leavitt further criticized the line of questioning as “disrespectful to the families who have lost loved ones” to fentanyl.
The heated exchange followed President Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday, where he defended his tariff policies, claiming they would ultimately benefit American prosperity. He dismissed concerns about increased costs for consumers, stating that any “disturbance” would be temporary.
The President’s speech was marked by partisan rhetoric, including attacks on his predecessor, Joe Biden, and praise for billionaire Elon Musk. Democrats responded with vocal skepticism, challenging several of the President’s claims.