Additional Coverage:
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Faces Fact-Check Over Judge’s Appointment
President Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, found herself in an awkward position after mischaracterizing the judge who blocked the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. Leavitt referred to U.S.
District Judge James Boasberg as a “democratic activist.” A reporter quickly corrected her, pointing out that Judge Boasberg was initially appointed by President George W.
Bush and later elevated by President Obama.
Visibly flustered, Leavitt attempted to defend her statement, but the correction drew quiet smiles from other reporters in the room. This isn’t the first time Leavitt has faced scrutiny for inaccurate statements.
The incident followed President Trump’s criticism of Judge Boasberg on social media, where he claimed the judge was overstepping his authority and jeopardizing the country. The President’s comments came after Judge Boasberg ruled against his plan to deport individuals deemed “alien enemies” under a rarely used law invoked by the President in response to what he called an “invasion” by the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
The situation escalated over the weekend when, despite Boasberg’s order halting deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, flights carrying deportees reportedly continued to El Salvador. A back-and-forth ensued, with the judge questioning whether his orders were deliberately ignored and government representatives arguing that only the written order, which did not specifically mention turning planes around, was binding. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the judiciary regarding immigration policy.