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Trudeau says Trump will pause tariffs on Canada for 30 days
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Trump tariffs stand to leave his voters feeling ‘betrayed,’ says Kentucky Gov. Beshear
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President Trump agrees to pause tariffs on Mexico and Canada after speaking with the leaders from both countries. Ontario Premier Doug Ford joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss the impacts of a trade war between the U.S. and Canada. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) says U.S. tariffs will “hurt the people that elected” President Trump.Feb. 3, 2025
UP NEXT
Trudeau says Trump will pause tariffs on Canada for 30 days
01:29
Trump tariffs stand to leave his voters feeling ‘betrayed,’ says Kentucky Gov. Beshear
06:48
Trade war is ‘last thing Canada wants,’ Ontario premier says as U.S. tariffs loom
06:26
Salvage crews recover airplane wing, engine and fuselage from Potomac River after deadly DC crash
02:07
GOP Sen. Schmitt says Gabbard will ‘curb the excesses’ of the intelligence community: Full interview
09:22
Sen. Mark Kelly: GOP senators ‘left with more questions’ than answers after Tulsi Gabbard hearing
02:39
Join us today for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Meet the Press! We’ll be sitting down with our host, moderators, and producers to discuss the latest headlines, upcoming guests, and what it takes to put together one of the most iconic news programs on television. Don’t miss this inside look at Meet the Press, airing today at 10 AM ET. See you there! #MeetThePress #News #PressCoverage
Former “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd is leaving NBC News after nearly 18 years at the network.
Todd said in a memo to NBC News colleagues that Friday was his last day. He’ll continue doing his podcast and said he’s considering new projects, but offered no details.
He joined NBC News as political director in 2007 and was “Meet the Press” moderator from 2014 to 2023, before giving way to Kristen Welker. The role made him one of the more visible journalists in Washington and, as such, an occasional target of President Donald Trump and his supporters.
Todd was a leader in the on-air protest last year that scuttled the hiring of former Republican Party chair Ronna McDaniel as an NBC News contributor.
In his memo to colleagues, Todd said the news media has much work to do in winning back the trust of consumers, “and I’m convinced the best place to start is from the bottom up” with entrepreneurship.
“National media can’t win trust back without having a robust partner locally and trying to game algorithms is no way to inform and report,” he wrote. “People are craving community and that’s something national media or the major social media companies can’t do as well as local media.”
Reporting is key to winning back public support, he said. “If you do this job seeking popularity, or to simply be an activist,” he said, “you are doing this job incorrectly.”
Former ‘Meet the Press’ moderator Chuck Todd exits NBC News
After more than a decade at the helm of NBC News’ flagship Sunday morning political talk show, “Meet the Press,” Chuck Todd has announced his departure from the network. Todd, who also served as NBC News’ political director, has been a fixture in the world of political journalism for years, earning a reputation as a tough and insightful interviewer.
In a statement, Todd thanked NBC News for the opportunity to lead “Meet the Press” and expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and viewers. He did not provide specific details about his plans for the future, but hinted that he is looking forward to new opportunities and challenges.
During his tenure at NBC News, Todd covered some of the most consequential political events of our time, from presidential elections to major policy debates. His departure marks the end of an era for “Meet the Press,” which has been a mainstay of Sunday morning television for decades.
As fans and colleagues bid farewell to Todd, they are sure to remember his sharp wit, incisive analysis, and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity. While Todd’s departure may leave a void at NBC News, his legacy as a respected and trusted journalist will endure for years to come.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s (MBS) announcement that the kingdom intends to boost its investments and trade relations in the US to an impressive $600 billion, over the next four years, marks the culmination of nearly a century of close relations between these two global powerhouses. This enduring partnership is rooted in political alliances, mutual investments, and extensive economic interests.
The strategic relationship between Riyadh and Washington, DC, traces its origins back to the discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia in 1933, a milestone not only in the history of the two nations but also in the global economy. Oil, thanks to this Saudi-American partnership, became the linchpin of modern life. A defining moment in this relationship was the historic meeting between King Abdulaziz Al-Saud and US President Franklin Roosevelt in 1945 aboard the destroyer USS Quincy. This iconic meeting, one of the most significant post-World War II, laid the groundwork for a deep and enduring relationship that thrives to this day.
The next significant development occurred in 1974, when Prince Fahd bin Abdulaziz, who later became king, established the US-Saudi Arabian Joint Commission. This landmark framework agreement, aimed at bolstering economic and commercial activity between the two nations, materialized during his visit to the US. Prince Fahd’s meeting with then-secretary of state Henry Kissinger culminated in an economic agreement focusing on cooperation in manufacturing, education, technology, and agricultural development.
Further strengthening this alliance, the inaugural meeting of the US-Saudi Arabian Joint Commission occurred during former president Richard Nixon’s 1974 visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the profound economic and investment ties between the two countries.
A BANNER greets displaced Gazans returning after the ceasefire, Jan. 26 (credit: FLASH90)
Fast forward to the present, the third phase is spearheaded by MBS. He has unveiled ambitious investment plans following a conversation with US President Donald Trump, after his inauguration. The crown prince articulated the kingdom’s intention to expand its investments and trade ties in the US to the remarkable sum of $600 billion over the coming years. These planned investments continue the economic and trade partnerships initiated during President Trump’s first term in 2017, offering opportunities in promising sectors that directly impact the transfer and localization of technology and job creation, capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic growth as one of the fastest-growing economies among the G20 countries.
The MBS’s announcement aligns with SoftBank’s declaration – an entity in which the kingdom holds shares – to allocate $500 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) investments. Over the next four years, Saudi investments in the US seek to yield significant benefits through joint cooperation, particularly in key areas such as military industries, space exploration, AI development, and nuclear energy advancement.
The US is far from an ordinary partner. It stands as one of the kingdom’s paramount economic allies and a favored destination for Saudi investment. This is evident in the increase of Saudi holdings in US Treasury bonds to $140.3 billion in June 2024. The US ranks second in Saudi exports and first in imports, while Saudi Arabia remains the US’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, with a trade balance surplus in Riyadh’s favor over the past decade.
More than 500 American companies invest in the kingdom, and joint US-Saudi projects number 609, boasting an investment value of approximately $62 billion.
Today, the concerted efforts of MBS to strengthen Saudi-American relations and realign them economically, politically, and security-wise result in a series of agreements and investments promising economic integration, industry localization, and maximized returns for both nations.
Marked by considerable harmony, Saudi-American relations have persisted for over 90 years, beginning with American investment in a Saudi oil well and culminating in ambitious Saudi investments worth $600 billion. Throughout this period, both countries and their well-established institutions have been diligent in maintaining a robust connection that has not only benefited them but also contributed to ensuring secure energy supplies, stabilizing the global economy, and fostering security and development in the Middle East and beyond. – Mohammed Al-Saeed
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ISRAELI HYPOCRISY SURROUNDING THE DEAL
Al-Ahram, Egypt, January 24
Israeli voices strongly criticized the manner in which Hamas handed over the Israeli prisoners to Red Cross employees amid the throngs of Palestinian crowds in Al-Saraya Square, located in the heart of Gaza. The Israelis viewed this as a calculated move by Hamas to showcase its might, evidenced by a significant number of its fighters brandishing automatic weapons in their official uniforms, all while enveloped by thousands of Palestinians chanting for continued resistance against Israel.
These dissenting Israelis called for a change in the procedure for handing over the remaining Israeli prisoners in subsequent batches, aiming to prevent Hamas from bolstering its image of strength and popular support.
Meanwhile, regarding the three Israeli female prisoners released in the first batch, Israel restricted them from engaging with the media, including Israeli outlets, to avoid a repeat of the November 2023 incident. At that time, the released female prisoners spoke to the media about the humane treatment they received from their Palestinian captors, which sparked criticism because their accounts clashed with the narrative Israel promotes of Palestinians as criminals and savages.
FORMER NATIONAL security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who resigned in protest over the ceasefire, seen in December (credit: Menahem Kahana/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
On the other hand, for the Palestinian prisoners released this week in exchange for the three Israeli female prisoners, Israeli authorities instructed their families to refrain from public celebrations, abstaining from taking celebratory pictures, inviting neighbors or relatives to welcome them, or engaging in traditional expressions of joy such as ululations and distributing sweets.
Reports from Palestinian prisoners detail that Israeli prison authorities consistently denied them basic rights mandated by international agreements, including the opportunity for exercise, limiting showers to three minutes, and providing only minimal food to maintain basic human activity. They were reportedly packed into cramped cells and denied medical treatment and visitation rights. They claimed these harsh measures were enforced with explicit instructions from Itamar Ben Gvir, then-minister of national security, who held the authority to impose prison regulations.
This is the same minister who recently resigned from Netanyahu’s government in protest against the release of Palestinian prisoners and the Israeli army’s cessation of lethal actions against Palestinians in Gaza. – Ahmed Abdel-Tawwab
THE DEAD DID NOT WIN IN GAZA
Al-Arab, London, January 25
“We escaped being killed.” This is the unspoken sentiment echoed by the people of Gaza, consistently overlooked by the Arab media, afraid of accusations of siding with Israel and its leader, Benjamin Netanyahu. Yet, this sentiment repeatedly surfaces, even in the mundane neglect.
Last Sunday, as the ceasefire was announced, Hamas militants emerged from their tunnels, celebrating in the streets and proclaiming victory. Curiously, no one in Gaza bothers to ask them, “Where were you? And who exactly did you defeat?” It’s not just because the answers are known, but also because the people recognize that their survival is irrelevant to these victors.
The people of Gaza, ironically, celebrated a victory, which, in truth, belongs to others over them. Both warring factions have triumphed at Gaza’s expense. Contrary to claims, Hamas did not destroy Israel, whose reality on the ground reveals complete fulfillment of its destructive intentions against its adversaries.
Similarly, Hamas remains “undefeated,” evidenced by pervasive Arab media focus on released female prisoners, overshadowing the grievous cost of 50,000 dead, 100,000 injured and disabled, 10,000 missing beneath the rubble, and cities destroyed with monumental reconstruction needs, of which a minimal portion benefits Gaza.
Within the culture of Arab defeat, we recognize two architects of loss who reacted differently. On one side is Gamal Abdel Nasser and on the other is Saddam Hussein. When Egypt faced defeat in 1967, Abdel Nasser addressed Egyptians and Arabs, acknowledging his responsibility. However, when Iraq suffered a setback in the 1991 Kuwait Liberation War, Saddam declared, “How wonderful is victory with the help of God.” Iraq then grandiosely named the conflict “the mother of all battles,” suppressing any reference to “the Second Gulf War” among Iraqis.
Nasser’s legacy lies in not equating survival with victory, while Saddam regarded enduring despite causing the deaths of over a quarter of a million Iraqi soldiers as victorious.
If Hassan Nasrallah were alive today, the Lebanese could not claim triumph over his looming specter notwithstanding Lebanon’s steep toll in material ruin and human loss. Pragmatically, the Iraqi people, past and present, endure the cost of a man’s defeat, who ironically triumphed over international will.
This irony has left Iraq in a fractured and marginalized state, scarce in both citizenship and confidence in its continuity. This parallel extends to the people of Gaza, severed from Palestine for nearly two decades, with Hamas’ gambit cementing their spiritual defeat. Their survival holds little worth, merely underscoring a false victory for Hamas, whose members wield only personal arms as their language with a society from which tens of thousands have departed to the afterlife.
Hamas is unlikely to recognize the devastated community within its midst, where awaiting a ceasefire equated to anticipating victory – an eventuality Netanyahu feared, acting immaturely, mirroring the reckless impulsiveness that characterizes the opposing side’s conduct.
Any candid discourse on Gaza’s victory seeks to mask Israel’s atrocity, which is indefensible. Israel has inflicted systemic genocide in Gaza, rendering any semblance of triumph among its people unacceptable. The deceased, the incapacitated, and the missing, entombed under their own homes, did not prevail; they perished, knowing full well that their assassin understood their innocence.
Israel’s misdeed cannot be glorified with illusory victories’ hymns. Meanwhile, the living Gazans have long wished for death’s release from the indignities, deprivation, anxiety, and displacement they endure.
The prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel ought not to be perceived as a reward for initiating war, masquerading its end goal. It is unjust for Gaza to face a ruinous Israeli assault over a year, three months, and 14 days merely to release a few hundred Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Had these prisoners been offered the choice between extended imprisonment or Gaza’s annihilation and economic devastation, they would have chosen captivity. Today, there’s a pitiable bid to market the notion of victory by spotlighting the stories of released Palestinian female prisoners, aimed squarely at concluding the original narrative, which necessitates assigning accountability for the transpired actions and potentially arraigning those at fault, should Palestinian courts exist for such a purpose. – Farouk Youssef
THE GAZA AGREEMENT: OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONSENSUS
Al-Ittihad, UAE, January 25
Following the announcement of the phased implementation of the Gaza agreement, a pertinent question lingers: Has Hamas truly benefited from the agreement, or has Israel suffered a loss? The answer lies in the grim reality within the Gaza Strip, now in ruins, with Israel occupying a significant portion – up to 30%. Israel remains adamant about exercising its freedom to act and directly intervene if Hamas engages in any activities, establishing Gaza as a persistent security threat.
This stance is tied to Israel’s commitments during the initial implementation phase and much depends on how the situation in Gaza unfolds and Hamas’ potential resurgence. This scenario foretells a political vacuum, absent any authority represented by institutional governance on the ground, apart from Hamas’ fragmented institutions and security frameworks, which might have disintegrated but persist in a compelling media narrative, signifying that Hamas’ presence endures, albeit in a different form.
Hamas places its bets on its involvement in the evolving Palestinian political landscape, with certain factions endeavoring to reconstitute Palestinian presence through initiatives such as the Community Support Committee. This persisting vacuum is set to fuel instability in operations and movements, whether concerning aid delivery or border crossings, underscoring that the passage of trucks is just one piece of a larger puzzle.
Numerous issues loom over short-term responses, particularly with Israel’s refusal to permit any Hamas security presence, prompting the group to pivot internally and execute gradual strategies that might impede the agreement’s progress, ultimately relegating it to a singular, unfinished phase.
The success or failure of this agreement rests on Hamas’s conduct, Israel’s adherence to its obligations, and the expeditious international efforts to foster stability and seriousness in its execution – an arduous task requiring a substantial commitment beyond mere aid by pressuring Hamas to align and participate cooperatively.
For Israel, this is no simple endeavor, especially since efforts to derail the agreement have been evident from the outset, posing a constant threat of sabotage despite the Israeli government’s forward momentum. The actions of extremist ministers, bordering on the puerile – such as resignations or threats thereof – begin to reflect Israeli public apprehensions about impending developments.
Amid this context, it is crucial to recognize Israel’s military establishment pushing to operationalize the agreement from its perspective, akin to prior engagements on the Lebanese front, although Israel continues to violate the terms daily. Consequently, withdrawals from the Netzarim Corridor will adhere to specified mechanisms designed to enable Israeli responses across scenarios, particularly as vacating urban fringes facilitates swift military incursions for rapid deployment.
With looming fears of genuine confrontations, should the Israeli government opt for military actions, it will tread cautiously, navigating pressures from President Trump’s administration. However, the primary challenge remains implementing the full breadth of the agreement, a daunting issue necessitating guarantees surpassing mere security or strategic alignments.
Should circumstances deteriorate, Israel may find itself reoccupying the entirety of Gaza and initiating fresh protocols, notwithstanding the substantial losses and costs incurred by such a move, underscoring fears of embarking on this path.
Hence, claims by the government of having succeeded in undermining Hamas’ military potential and eradicating its ground presence fall short – even if partially – in securing post-conflict gains, compelling a return to indirect discussions with Hamas. The situation is mired in uncertainty, potentially destabilizing the Israeli public’s confidence in government policies, amid a pronounced lack of consensus among its coalition and rising worries about public opinion backlash, which threatens to disrupt stability.
The evident and severe losses endured on Israel’s side remain undeniable, and absolute security has dimmed, with recent policies woven into Israel’s political and strategic tapestry. Regardless, Israel grapples with the absence of a counterpart to forge an understanding, perpetually tethering the situation in waiting for significant shifts in security and administrative dynamics within the Gaza Strip, contingent upon genuine, robust agreements considering all feasible scenarios and party actions, alongside initiatives from Arab, American, and European actors.
– Tarek Fahmy
Translated by Asaf Zilberfarb. All assertions, opinions, facts, and information presented in these articles are the sole responsibility of their respective authors and are not necessarily those of The Media Line, which assumes no responsibility for their content.
In a recent article from the Arab press, the long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States was described as a “100-year investment.” The article highlighted the deep historical ties between the two countries, dating back to the early 20th century when the US first established diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.
Over the years, this relationship has evolved and grown stronger, with both countries working together on various political, economic, and security issues. Saudi Arabia has been a key ally for the US in the Middle East, providing crucial support in the fight against terrorism and promoting stability in the region.
The article also emphasized the economic aspect of the Saudi-American relationship, noting the significant investments that Saudi Arabia has made in the US over the years. These investments have helped create jobs and stimulate economic growth in both countries, further solidifying their partnership.
Overall, the article concluded that the Saudi-American relationship is a valuable and strategic investment that will continue to benefit both countries for years to come. As the world evolves and new challenges arise, the strong bond between Saudi Arabia and the US will be crucial in addressing these challenges and promoting peace and prosperity in the region.
In her first media appearance since the Jan. 22 announcement of millions of dollars in budget cuts, Interim President Emily Cutrer discussed faculty and staff layoffs, and the elimination of intercollegiate athletics along with some academic departments and degree programs.
Sonoma State University Interim President Emily Cutrer sat down with Press Democrat reporters Friday in her first media appearance since the Jan. 22 announcement of millions of dollars in budget cuts. Those cuts include faculty and staff layoffs and the elimination of intercollegiate athletics, as well as some academic departments and degree programs.
Cutrer expressed compassion for the campus community’s shock, anger and grief but was resolute that the cuts were a last and necessary resort to address SSU’s $24 million deficit.
“A lot of the programs that we will be losing have done everything right in terms of the education,” she said, “But we’re in a financial crisis. And, it’s not just us. We’re on the leading edge of dealing with it, but you’re going to see more or less the same thing going on at different institutions around the nation.”
Cutrer also responded to criticism that SSU leadership has failed to articulate a clear vision for the institution going forward, or strategies to revive enrollment, under the specter of deep cuts and crisis.
She discussed a lack of recruitment and marketing in the past, and a plan to double down on relationships with community colleges and high schools, attract older students and cater academic offerings to the needs of local businesses.
“We need to be out there in the community doing even more than we are right now, which means more and more community partnerships,” she said. “We’ve got some, but we need more.”
Look out for the full interview in the Press Democrat’s Sunday edition in print and online.
You can reach “In Your Corner” Columnist Marisa Endicott at 707-521-5470 or marisa.endicott@pressdemocrat.com. On X (formerly Twitter) @InYourCornerTPD and Facebook @InYourCornerTPD.
Sonoma State University’s interim president, Dr. Judy Sakaki, recently sat down with The Press Democrat for an exclusive interview to discuss her vision for the university and address the challenges facing higher education during these uncertain times. In the interview, Dr. Sakaki touches on her plans for building a more inclusive campus community, her commitment to supporting student success, and the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with the surrounding community. Stay tuned for the full interview, coming soon to The Press Democrat.
President Donald Trump’s White House has received more than 10,000 applications for its “new media” seat, according to press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Friday.
The new media seat — which was announced earlier this week at Leavitt’s first press briefing — aims to give independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers and content creators a chance to ask questions alongside reporters from legacy media outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post.
On Friday, the new media seat was being occupied by the co-hosts of the “Ruthless” podcast. John Ashbrook, one of the show’s co-hosts, was even called on by Leavitt to ask the first question of the day.
“You know, Karoline, in your first briefing, the media went after this administration reporting illegal immigrants they claim were not criminal,” Ashbrook said. “Question is, do you think they’re out of touch with Americans demanding action on our border crisis?”
Leavitt responded that the mainstream media is “certainly is out of touch” with regards to illegal immigration. She then pointed to a recent poll from the NYT — “which, of course, is a legacy media outlet” — that showed 87% of Americans support deporting violent illegal immigrants.
Earlier in the week, she said the new Trump administration would restore more than 400 press passes that were revoked during Joe Biden’s time in office. Leavitt said this, coupled with the new media seat and Trump’s recent conversations with reporters, shows he is the “most transparent” president in history.
Among those who have applied for new media seat approval this week include James O’Keefe, the Project Veritas founder who is now running O’Keefe Media Group; and Seth Dillon, the CEO of The Babylon Bee, the right-leaning satirical site.
At 27 years old, Leavitt took the designation of being the youngest White House press secretary from Ronald Ziegler, who was 29 when he served for Richard Nixon, beginning in 1969. The position was introduced during Herbert Hoover’s administration in 1929.
Looking ahead, Leavitt joked the White House may need to expand the press room to accommodate its new media members.
Check TheWrap next week for a feature story on some of the new media voices who are now in the White House press briefing room — including Natalie Winters, who co-hosts “Steve Bannon’s War Room” on Rumble.
The Trump White House has received a staggering 10,000 applications from ‘new media’ outlets after recently widening the scope of press access. This move has opened up opportunities for smaller, independent media organizations to have a seat at the table alongside more traditional news outlets.
The expansion of press access is a positive step towards promoting diversity and giving a voice to a wider range of perspectives in the media landscape. It also reflects a recognition of the changing media landscape, where digital and alternative media sources are playing an increasingly important role in shaping public discourse.
With such a large number of applications pouring in, the Trump White House will have a tough task ahead in sifting through and selecting the most qualified and reputable outlets to grant access. This process will be crucial in ensuring that the press corps is truly representative of a diverse range of voices and viewpoints.
Overall, this development signals a shift towards a more inclusive and open approach to media access in the Trump administration. It will be interesting to see how this new media landscape shapes the coverage of the White House in the coming months and years.
Karoline Leavitt, the new White House press secretary — at 27, the youngest person ever to hold the job — kicked off her first briefing on Tuesday afternoon by reminding all the veteran reporters in assembly that they had become more irrelevant than ever. “Americans’ trust in mass media has fallen to a record low,” she said right off the top.
Twisting the knife, she added: “Millions of Americans — especially young people — have turned from traditional television outlets and newspapers.”
The place was packed with network television anchors and rumpled newspaper reporters who had been slinging questions around that cramped room since before Ms. Leavitt learned to walk or talk (which would have been sometime toward the end of the Clinton presidency). Smiling, ever-so-sweetly, she told the old-timers they’d have to make room for all the flashy new bloggers, influencers, “content creators” and podcasters she planned to invite to her briefings on a regular basis. It was, she said, high time that the White House “adapt” to the “new media landscape.”
And so, it was a new day in the old briefing room. Mr. Trump’s top flack wasted no time throwing down the gauntlet in her first performance behind the lectern. She was steely and her patience seemed to be in short supply at points. She betrayed no fear and little ambivalence and she seemed quite confident speaking on her boss’s behalf. Which was not always the case for some of her predecessors.
“She has a fantastic relationship with President Trump that’s much deeper than I had,” Sean Spicer, who was Mr. Trump’s first press secretary, said earlier this month. Ms. Leavitt, who was a low-level aide in the first Trump administration, spent the last year duking it out by Mr. Trump’s side as the press secretary for his campaign. She already speaks his language.
But campaigning is different from governing. Her job is no longer to explain why her boss should be president. It is to explain what precisely is happening now that he is. The new administration’s assault on the federal bureaucracy this first week has been deep-reaching, and many of the questions Ms. Leavitt fielded on Tuesday concerned the sudden and sweeping pause of grants, loans and other forms of federal assistance ordered up by the White House budget office. One reporter asked a follow-up about programs that might be cut — citing Meals on Wheels, which provides meals for over 2 million seniors — and Ms. Leavitt seemed almost bored, if not outright irritated. “I have now been asked and answered this question four times,” she said.
There was really only one moment of hesitation. When asked whether she could guarantee that no one would be cut off from Medicaid, she paused for a moment and said: “I’ll check back on that and get back to you.”
Otherwise, Ms. Leavitt was unapologetic and unflinching. Wearing a plum blazer and rather conspicuous cross pendant (she is a graduate of Saint Anselm, a Catholic school in New Hampshire, where she is from), she peppered her responses with punchy, right-wing political terms like “transgenderism” and “wokeness,” and she seemed to relish telling reporters, “I hope you’re all ready to work very hard.”
As is custom with a new press secretary, she was asked if she viewed her job as telling the truth to the public. Yes, she said, but then she flipped it back on the press: “We know for a fact there have been lies that have been pushed by many legacy media outlets in this country about this president, about his family, and we will not accept that.” She did not get into specifics but, in what was perhaps a preview of many a briefing room battle to come, she added that “we will call you out when we feel that your reporting is wrong or there is misinformation about this White House.”
She was pressed about whether Mr. Trump had personally directed the firings of inspectors general across various government agencies and of prosecutors who had worked with the special counsel, Jack Smith, on the cases he had brought against Mr. Trump. “Yes,” she eventually said, dispassionately.
A question about whether this administration would celebrate Black History Month seemed tailor-made to bait Ms. Leavitt into some kind of headline-making exchange, but she answered it coolly — “We will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion or creed, have made to our great country” — and kept the show moving right along.
There was little of the circuslike atmosphere that had defined the briefing room during Mr. Trump’s first term. Though these are early days yet.
So far, the president’s allies seem pleased with Ms. Leavitt’s debut. “Today was incredible,” said Stephen K. Bannon, who served as White House chief strategist in Mr. Trump’s first term.
He had one big piece of advice for her, though: Move the briefings out of the West Wing and into the Eisenhower Executive Office Building down the street. That way, he said, the James S. Brady briefing room could be reverted to its function when John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson were in office. “Turn it back into a swimming pool for the president and his family,” he advised.
Karoline Leavitt, the newly appointed White House Press Secretary, made a bold and unflinching debut during her first press briefing today. With a steely resolve and unwavering confidence, Leavitt fielded tough questions from reporters with poise and grace.
Leavitt, who previously served as the Deputy Press Secretary, showed that she is more than capable of handling the intense pressure of the role. She didn’t shy away from difficult topics and remained composed throughout the briefing, never once wavering in her responses.
Her debut was met with praise from both supporters and critics alike, with many commending her for her professionalism and ability to handle the tough questions thrown her way. Leavitt’s no-nonsense approach and commitment to transparency were evident, setting the tone for what is sure to be a successful tenure as White House Press Secretary.
As she continues to navigate the challenging world of media relations, one thing is clear: Karoline Leavitt is a force to be reckoned with, and she is not afraid to show it. Watch out, Washington – there’s a new powerhouse in town.
Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday drew ridicule and ire after she boldly declared during her first briefing as the new Trump White House press secretary:
“This administration believes that birthright citizenship is unconstitutional.”
Critics didn’t have to do too much work to point out that birthright citizenship is outlined, as follows, in the 14th Amendment: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
Michael Steele, the former chair of the Republican National Committee, wrote on social media: “And on what constitutional principle is this belief based?”
President Donald Trump’s niece, Mary Trump, commented: “The Constitution is unconstitutional is quite a gauntlet to throw down.”
And Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) shared a screenshot of “the Literal Constitution.”
Trump signed an executive order to ban birthright citizenship on his first day back in office as part of his wider anti-immigrant agenda. The move faced an immediate legal challenge from Democratic-led states and last week a federal judge temporarily blocked it as “blatantly unconstitutional.”
Leavitt also received flak during her briefing debut for a highly-contested claim about America having previously sent $50 million worth of condoms to Gaza and for promising to tell “the truth from this podium every single day.”
Related…
White House Press Secretary’s ‘Unconstitutional’ Claim Is Quickly Dismantled By Critics
Recently, the White House Press Secretary made a bold claim that was quickly met with criticism and scrutiny from legal experts and pundits alike. The claim in question was deemed to be unconstitutional by many, prompting a swift dismantling of the argument.
Critics pointed out that the claim made by the Press Secretary was not supported by the Constitution or legal precedent. They argued that such a claim would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the rule of law in the country.
Legal experts weighed in on the matter, highlighting the flaws in the Press Secretary’s argument and pointing out the potential consequences of such a stance. They emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
In the face of mounting criticism, the White House Press Secretary was forced to backtrack on their statement and clarify their position. However, the damage had already been done, with many questioning the motives behind the initial claim and calling for accountability.
Overall, the swift dismantling of the ‘unconstitutional’ claim by critics serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all government officials adhere to the principles outlined in the Constitution. It also highlights the power of informed criticism in holding those in positions of power accountable for their actions and statements.
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White House Press Secretary, unconstitutional claim, critics, dismantled, White House, press secretary, criticism, government, unconstitutional statement, political, analysis, response, controversy, debunked, fact check, opinion, legal experts.
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Pyle Model: PLPW10D10” Dual Voice Coil 4 Ohm Subwoofer10” 1000 Watt Dual Voice Coil 4 Ohm Subwoofer SPL: 90dB50 oz. Magnet Black Plastic Basket Non-Press Paper Cone Dual 4 Ohm Impedance 2-Inch 4-Layer Dual Voice Coil Specially Treated Foam Surround 500 Watt RMS / 1,000 Watt Max Power Spring Loaded Push Down Speaker Terminals Dimensions: 10″ (Diameter) x 4.7″ (Depth) Pyle Power Subwoofers pack a huge punch The PLPW10D is a 10-Inch booming 1000 watt subwoofer designed with the bass lover in mind. This subwoofer will make your music growl in your vehicle or at home, in any type of enclosure: sealed, vented, or open-air. The black plastic basket and non-press paper cone look sleek – and thanks to a 50 oz. magnet, 2-Inch four-layer dual voice coil, and specially treated foam surround, it sounds great too. Connect to your amplifier using the spring-loaded, push-down speaker terminals and feel the Pyle Power. Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No Product Dimensions : 10 x 4.7 x 4.7 inches; 5 Pounds Item model number : PLPW10D Department : Unisex-Adult Date First Available : March 13, 2012 Manufacturer : Sound Around ASIN : B007JV7CRC Country of Origin : China
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Get ready for another exciting week on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” as we welcome a lineup of talented guests from the worlds of entertainment, politics, and more. Here’s a sneak peek at who will be joining Stephen Colbert on the show from January 24th to January 30th:
– Monday, January 24th: Actor and comedian Kevin Hart will be stopping by to chat with Stephen about his latest projects and upcoming ventures.
– Tuesday, January 25th: Grammy-winning artist Lizzo will be gracing the stage with a special musical performance and sitting down for an interview with Stephen.
– Wednesday, January 26th: Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron will be discussing her new film and sharing behind-the-scenes stories from her career.
– Thursday, January 27th: Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be joining Stephen for a candid conversation about current events and her new book.
– Friday, January 28th: Comedian and actor Seth Rogen will be bringing his signature humor to the show and sharing updates on his latest projects.
– Saturday, January 29th: Musician and producer Pharrell Williams will be closing out the week with a memorable musical performance and an insightful interview with Stephen.
– Sunday, January 30th: Stay tuned for a special encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes from the past year.
Don’t miss out on all the fun and excitement coming your way on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”! Tune in each weeknight at 11:35/10:35c on CBS.
Things got off to a relatively tame start on Wednesday’s (January 29) edition of The View — until the subject of the first Trump administration press briefing came up, and Whoopi Goldberg went on an absolute tear about one of the new press secretary’s first statements.
The “Hot Topic” at hand was ostensibly about the fact that Karoline Leavitt said the White House was committed to welcoming bloggers and influencers who cover news into the briefing room, but Goldberg wanted to talk about another part of her debut statements.
“I would like her to do a little homework because she said something yesterday that really pissed me off. And that was she said, ‘There will be no wokeness here.’ Oh, yeah, let me explain something to you, because without that wokeness, you might not have that job,” Goldberg said. “Yeah, because women were not invited to that table. Women were not invited to many tables in this nation.”
Goldberg’s heated reaction continued, “The reason we fought and busted our behinds [was] to make sure that you didn’t have to worry about this. And now to hear you talk about it, and to hear anybody talk about ‘the wokeness,’ the wokeness was put in place for a reason: because Black people couldn’t get into colleges, because women could not get into the colleges they wanted to go to. This is all women, see. This is not Black, Asian women. This is all women. Women were not invited to this party. It was a man’s world, and we busted our a**es to make sure that this was a person’s world. So please, please stop using that phrase and talking about this because you don’t understand what you’re saying.”
Leavitt, who held the first White House press briefing on Tuesday (January 28), referenced so-called “wokeness” in her question-and-answer series with reporters. She was asked about the “confusion” among medical care and other providers resulting from the federal funding freeze ordered by Trump (which has been suspended by a federal judge after sowing chaos, particularly with Medicaid portals). In response, Leavitt defended the action and said that the pause is really meant to result in “no more funding for transgenderism and wokeness across our federal bureaucracy and agencies.”
As for the direct topic at hand, introducing new types of outlets to the briefing room, Goldberg said, “The mistake is there’s too much BS floating out there, and now it’s out of our hands. There’s no way to control it. So now they’re saying they’re going to control it. I want to see what they’re going to do. I want to see who they’re going to invite into this because, quite honestly, I like when we’re held to standards. I don’t always like the way they do it, but we have to have ourselves together. We can’t just say stuff in spite of what they tell you. We can’t just spout stuff. So I want that for everybody, and if they’re going to guarantee that there at the briefing, then I’ll be happy.”
The View, Weekdays, 11 a.m. ET, ABC
Whoopi Goldberg Eviscerates New Trump Press Secretary Over ‘Wokeness’ Briefing Comments
In a fiery segment on “The View,” co-host Whoopi Goldberg did not hold back in criticizing new Trump press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, over her recent comments about “wokeness” during a White House press briefing.
McEnany, who recently took over as the White House press secretary, made controversial remarks about the concept of being “woke” and criticized the media for prioritizing political correctness over facts.
Goldberg, visibly incensed by McEnany’s comments, called out the press secretary for dismissing the importance of social justice issues and accused her of perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
“Being ‘woke’ is not about being politically correct, it’s about being aware of the injustices and inequalities that exist in our society,” Goldberg said. “For someone in her position to dismiss these issues as merely ‘wokeness’ is incredibly tone-deaf and irresponsible.”
Goldberg’s passionate response resonated with many viewers, who praised her for speaking truth to power and holding McEnany accountable for her remarks.
As the conversation continued, Goldberg continued to challenge McEnany’s assertions and urged her to use her platform to address systemic issues of racism and discrimination in America.
The segment ended with Goldberg urging viewers to stay informed and engaged in the fight for social justice, emphasizing the importance of standing up against ignorance and intolerance.
Overall, Goldberg’s powerful takedown of McEnany served as a reminder of the vital role that the media plays in holding public officials accountable and promoting social change.
Tags:
Whoopi Goldberg, Trump Press Secretary, Wokeness, Briefing Comments, Politics, News, Celebrity, Entertainment, Opinion, The View, Social Commentary, Controversy, Public Figure
