Trump Press Secretary Faces Criticism Over Tariff Comments

Karoline Leavitt's claims on tariffs as 'tax cuts' for Americans are challenged by an AP reporter, fueling debates on economic policy and press access.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clashed with AP reporter Josh Boak over her assertion that tariffs are 'tax cuts' for Americans, a claim widely disputed by economists.
Leavitt defended President Trump's tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, arguing they target foreign countries but was corrected that tariffs are paid by importers, often passing costs to U.S. consumers.
The exchange highlights broader concerns about the economic impact of Trump's tariff policies, with critics pointing to rising costs for businesses and households amid existing economic pressures.
The confrontation comes as the Associated Press remains banned from key White House events after refusing to adopt the administration's renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America.'
A federal judge has scheduled a hearing for March 20 to address the AP's lawsuit challenging the White House's restrictions on press access.