White House embarrassed and fact-checked on Live TV after incorrectly labeling judge who blocked Donald Trump’s order as Obama appointee

During a White House briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt faced sharp questions about former President Trump’s clash with federal Judge James Boasberg. Boasberg temporarily blocked Trump’s plan to deport migrants using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a law allowing the removal of foreign threats. Leavitt accused Boasberg of being a “Democrat activist” appointed by Obama and claimed his wife donated heavily to Democrats. But NBC reporter Garrett Haake quickly corrected her: Boasberg was actually appointed by George W. Bush. Leavitt doubled down, arguing Trump has authority to deport “foreign terrorists,” but the awkward moment highlighted her shaky grasp of facts.

Who is Karoline Levitt?

Karoline Leavitt, 25, is one of the youngest White House press secretaries in history. Known for her staunch loyalty to Trump, she previously worked on his 2024 campaign before stepping into the role. While supporters praise her fierce defense of Trump’s policies, critics argue her inexperience shows in frequent factual errors. The Boasberg incident comes as Trump ramps up hardline immigration policies, including mass deportations, ahead of the election. Legal experts warn the Alien Enemies Act, last used widely during WWII, is being stretched beyond its original intent, setting up a contentious court battle. Leavitt’s combative style may rally Trump’s base but risks alienating moderates tired of misinformation.

Leavitt’s Growing List of Fact-Check Fails

This isn’t the first time Leavitt’s statements have crumbled under scrutiny. Just last week, she called tariffs “a tax cut for the American people”—a claim PolitiFact rated “False,” noting experts call tariffs “tax hikes.” So far, Leavitt has racked up three PolitiFact corrections in two months, outpacing Jen Psaki, Trump’s prior press secretary, who had fewer in 16 months. Critics say Leavitt’s errors reflect a pattern of prioritizing political messaging over accuracy. Supporters argue she’s defending Trump’s agenda in a hostile media environment. Either way, her tendency to blur facts keeps fact-checkers busy.

FAQs:

Why did Leavitt target Judge Boasberg?
Leavitt criticized Boasberg after he paused Trump’s deportation plan, accusing him of bias. However, her claim about his appointment was wrong—Boasberg was nominated by a Republican president, not Obama.

How do Leavitt’s fact-checks compare to past press secretaries?
A: Leavitt has been fact-checked three times in two months, faster than predecessors like Jen Psaki. This raises questions about her credibility and the administration’s reliance on misleading talking points.