Overview
- Karoline Leavitt and CNN’s Kaitlan Collins sparred during the briefing over the administration’s portrayal of the economy, with Leavitt accusing the press of pushing untrue narratives.
- Leavitt declined a follow-up from Collins and reiterated her claim that inflation is running near 2.5% as she argued conditions have improved since earlier highs.
- She highlighted talking points that included roughly $1,200 in wage gains for the average worker and the prospect of tax refunds increasing by about one-third next year.
- Leavitt contrasted current messaging with Biden-era briefings, saying the previous press secretary downplayed inflation and claimed the border was secure.
- Coverage split along partisan lines and the briefing also touched on other priorities, including border enforcement, foreign policy updates, a $5 million counterterror reward, and a jab at CNN tied to the president’s view that the network would benefit from new ownership.