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2w ago

Benny Johnson Presses Medal of Freedom Question as White House Touts National Guard Success in D.C.

Karoline Leavitt is to ask President Trump about granting Edward Coristine the Medal of Freedom, citing the Guard’s arrest and weapons seizure numbers alongside a poll finding 65 percent of residents view D.C. crime as a serious problem.

A sign wishes a speedy recovery for former DOGE appointee Edward Coristine, known by his nickname 'Big Balls' after he was attacked in carjacking attempt, on the National Grange Building near the White House in Washington D.C., on Thursday August 7, 2025.
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Overview

  • At Tuesday’s White House briefing, influencer Benny Johnson used the “new media” seat to ask if President Trump would consider awarding Edward “Big Balls” Coristine the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his role in thwarting a carjacking.
  • Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said she had not yet discussed the honor with the president but pledged to raise the question and report back to Johnson.
  • Leavitt hailed early enforcement results from the federalized National Guard, highlighting arrests, weapons seizures and drug removals in Washington, D.C.
  • The administration cited a Washington Post poll showing 65 percent of D.C. residents rate crime as a very or extremely serious issue.
  • Elon Musk amplified Coristine’s actions and urged federalizing D.C. security, even as Metropolitan Police data show violent crime down 26 percent year-over-year and congressional approval remains necessary to alter the Home Rule Act.