White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tossed out euphemisms and had to dodge a few curve balls while fielding questions from kids at a special ‘take our sons and daughters to work day’ briefing
‘How many people has he fired?’ one tyke wanted to know – picking up a crucial part of the brand that Donald Trump developed as the star of ‘The Apprentice.’
The precocious question drew laughter from Leavitt.
‘Thus far we have not actually had anyone fired – with the exception of one individual who did leave their job,’ Leavitt said. ‘But we have a great team here – so far, so good,’ she added.
It was almost certainly a reference for former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who was pushed out amid the Signal scandal.
The answer danced around the numerous other officials Trump fired during his first term, and the skein of lower level aides who have been fired, including a reported 20 members of the NSC, although Trump’s second term team has been notably more stable than his first.
Leavitt gave a shoutout to her mother who was taking care of her young son ‘Niko’ and White House staffers Alex Pffeifer, Harrison Fields, and Kaelen Dorr also brought their young children in the briefing room to watch the event.
The children of some administration staffers appeared slipped into the briefing group to ask about issues important to the president, as a pair of the president’s ‘Gulf of America’ hats were spotted in the room.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hosted a children-only press briefing for Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day
Children raise their hands to ask White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt (not pictured) questions during a
Parents of journalists stood on the sides of the room as White House staff politely reminded them the seats were only for the children for the event.
One kid asked for her assessment of the state of the border, and Leavitt revealed that ‘I think your dad works for the homeland security council,’ revealing that the White House briefing room included not just children of reporters but of White House staff.
Another kid asked Leavitt what her least favorite news outlet was.
‘I can tell you’re a staff kid, not a journalist,’ she laughed.
‘Honestly, it depends on the day,’ she added.
What is Trump’s favorite food, one questioner wanted to know? ‘He likes to eat big, beautiful steak,’ replied Leavitt, channeling her boss.
Nora Spiering, 11, tried to put Leavitt on the spot by asking Trump’s favorite president ‘besides himself.’ That ruled out the most obvious answer, but Leavitt went with it anyway, allowing that ‘it would probably be himself,’ before reaching for George Washington.
Her brother Robert Spiering, 9, tried to glean new information about Trump’s favorite McDonald’s meal, but Leavitt safely answered burgers and fries.
Another questioner wanted to know ‘what is Donald Trump willing to do about climate change?’
‘What is Donald Trump willing to do about climate what is Donald Trump going to do about climate change? Well, that is a very good question,’ Leavitt stalled, before rehashing prior Trump statements about providing energy independence for the country with power at a cheaper rate along with clean air and clean water.
‘The president cares very much about our environment. He says all the time he wants to have the cleanest air, the cleanest water, the cleanest environment for the world. We also care very much about our energy independence and ensuring that we can keep the lights on in our homes at a very cheap rate.’
Kids asked Leavitt about how many people Trump had fired and what was his favorite food
Leavitt called on children of journalists as well as children of White House aides
Nora Spiering, 11, tried to put Leavitt on the spot by asking Trump’s favorite president ‘besides himself’
Leavitt spoke about Trump’s love of McDonald’s burgers and fries
The questions from kids kept up a White House tradition, even as Leavitt has broken other past practices by taking over the White House press pool and bringing in ‘new media’ questioners
Her response didn’t directly say what Trump would do about climate change, a problem many scientists describe as a serious threat to the planet, although Trump has ripped the idea as a ‘hoax.’
‘I think that’s how the president would answer that question,’ concluded Leavitt.
Asked about Trump’s favorite dessert, Leavitt did reveal that ‘I have seen him eat ice cream sundaes,’ sticking to what she has personally observed.
As for what super power the president would seek, Trump wishes he could ‘snap his fingers’ to get things done, said Leavitt, mentioning Trump’s trip to the Capitol where his ‘big, beautiful bill’ is stalled.
