President Donald Trump publicly teased his Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, during an executive order signing in the Oval Office on Tuesday, April 2, 2026.
The President alleged that he currently receives between 93% and 97% negative media coverage. Consequently, he pivoted the conversation toward the woman tasked with managing his public image.
Turning directly to face Leavitt, Trump questioned her effectiveness in front of the gathered press corps and administration officials.
“Maybe Karoline’s doing a poor job, I don’t know,” Trump said jokingly. He then added with a smirk, “You’re doing a terrible job.”
A White House official confirmed shortly after the event that the remarks were made entirely in jest. Furthermore, Trump quickly reassured his aide after the initial ribbing.
“Shall we keep her? I think we’ll keep her,” the President added, signaling his continued confidence in her performance.
A Familiar Pattern Of Public Performance Reviews
This interaction follows a similar occurrence in October during a press gaggle aboard Air Force One. In that instance, Trump quizzed reporters on Leavitt’s professional standing.
“How’s Karoline doing? Is she doing good? Should Karoline be replaced?” Trump asked the journalists, before assuring her that a replacement would “never happen.”
According to The Daily Mail, Trump has frequently praised the 28-year-old, who made history as the youngest White House Press Secretary ever.
Leavitt assumed the role in January 2025 following the President’s inauguration. Meanwhile, Trump has often commented that her lips “move like a machine gun” during briefings.
“She’s a star, and she’s great,” Trump stated in a previous assessment last August.
“I don’t think anybody has ever had a better press secretary than Karoline,” he added at the time.
Maternity Leave And Future White House Roles
Leavitt is currently preparing to go on maternity leave next month. She and her husband, 60-year-old Nicholas Riccio, are expecting a baby girl due in May.
The couple previously welcomed their first son, Niko, in July 2024. Consequently, her upcoming absence will require a temporary adjustment within the White House communications team.
Despite the lighthearted nature of the Tuesday exchange, the President remains vocal about his dissatisfaction with mainstream media narratives.
He has repeatedly alleged that the press corps is biased against his administration’s policies. Furthermore, he uses these public moments to reinforce his “fake news” rhetoric.
The Press Secretary role is one of the most high-pressure jobs in Washington. Leavitt has navigated several controversial policy rollouts since the start of 2025.
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