Youngest-ever White House press secretary makes debut

President Donald Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, on Monday held her first White House press conference. At age 27, Leavitt is the youngest-ever presidential press secretary. She previously served as Trump’s campaign spokeswoman. The president described her as tough, smart, and an effective communicator when he appointed her to be the chief communications officer for his administration.

What are some things Leavitt discussed with reporters during the press conference?

• Leavitt called for the Senate to confirm the remainder of Trump’s cabinet nominees and praised the executive orders the president has issued since taking office.

• She also touted recent arrests of illegal immigrants by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

• Independent reporters, podcasters, and social media influencers were now welcome to attend White House press briefings, Leavitt said. The White House wanted to speak to the news sources and influencers many Americans were now turning to for their news consumption, she said.

• Leavitt explained that Trump’s recent decision to freeze swaths of federal aid was part of a broader attempt to review government programs and ensure Washington was wisely stewarding taxpayer dollars.

• Trump acted within his authority as president when he fired more than a dozen federal inspectors general and roughly a dozen federal prosecutors who were involved in cases against him while he was running for office, Leavitt said.

Dig deeper: Read Joseph Blackholm’s column in WORLD Opinions about how Trump’s administration has represented a revolution of common sense for the United States.