While President Trump was overseas attending Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome, his 27-year-old press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stayed behind in Washington—and she didn’t exactly get a break.
Instead, she found herself in the White House briefing room, facing a room full of sharp student journalists who weren’t afraid to ask the hard questions.
These student reporters, part of a mentoring program with the White House Correspondents’ Association, got the rare opportunity to grill a top official. And they didn’t hold back.
A Crash Course in Press Secretary Pressure
Leavitt kicked off the session by opening up about the high-pressure nature of her job.
She described her role as being a kind of “internal investigative reporter,” always digging for details and staying prepared.
“There are no shortcuts when it comes to preparation,” she told the students, stressing that the 5 a.m. news cycle in D.C. waits for no one.
But it didn’t take long for the room to shift from friendly insights to pointed questions about the administration’s recent actions—especially concerning international students and deportations.
Syracuse Student Puts Visa Revocations Under the Microscope
One of the more direct exchanges came from Luke Radal, a student journalist from Syracuse University’s Citrus TV, who zeroed in on the recent revocation of three student visas.
The move had sparked protests on Radal’s campus, drawing a crowd of several hundred.
“What do you say to students who are afraid they or their friends could be next?” Radal asked.
Leavitt didn’t shy away. She said students in the U.S. legally and studying in good faith “should not be afraid.”
She went on to explain that the Secretary of State has the legal authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to revoke visas if foreign students are deemed to be acting against U.S. foreign policy interests.
Radal pushed back: “Is protesting illegal behavior?”
“No,” Leavitt said, “but illegal harassment of students on college campuses and engaging in criminal behavior absolutely is.”
Press Pool Controversy and Deportation Questions Continue
Another student asked about a brewing controversy involving the Associated Press.
The AP recently lost its spot in the coveted “press pool” that travels closely with the president, leading to a legal battle.
Leavitt claimed there had been no such revocation, instead saying that the administration had expanded press access.
The session also touched on a deportation case involving a Venezuelan man who was removed to El Salvador, following a Maryland judge’s ruling.
That line of questioning came during the same week Leavitt slammed the media for describing the man simply as a “Maryland man,” despite his alleged gang affiliation.
Balancing the Podium and Parenthood
Leavitt, who worked in the first Trump administration, also opened up about the personal side of her role.
With a nine-month-old son at home, she said her biggest challenge has been adjusting to a job that comes with intense public scrutiny.
“The whole world is watching,” she told the students. “And you don’t really know what that means until you’re in it.”
She emphasized the importance of a strong work ethic, especially in a political environment that never really sleeps.
Not Running Again—For Now
As the conversation turned personal, Leavitt addressed her political ambitions—or lack thereof.
After a failed congressional run in New Hampshire, she said she’s done with chasing elected office.
“I have no intention of ever running for public office again,” she told the room.
Staying Stateside While Trump Heads Abroad
While Leavitt stayed back to handle media and messaging, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung accompanied Trump to Rome.
Leavitt kept busy stateside, with more press obligations lined up and a full schedule ahead.
Meanwhile, tensions between the Trump administration and the media continue to simmer.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is set to go on this weekend—but don’t expect Trump or his team to show up.
The administration opted out, especially after canceling comedian Amber Ruffin’s appearance, a move that only added more fuel to the ongoing media fire.