White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently found herself in a heated confrontation with NBC News reporter Peter Alexander, as they discussed the controversial cost-cutting approach by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
A Tense Back-and-Forth on Slashing Government Spending
The debate unfolded outside the White House on a Friday, where Alexander raised concerns about the “sloppy” nature of the cuts being made by DOGE.
The reporter pointed out that constituents in traditionally red districts were expressing dissatisfaction with what they called the “chainsaw approach” to slashing jobs and government spending.
“How do you respond to that criticism?” Alexander asked, pressing Leavitt for her stance on the situation.
Leavitt, however, pushed back firmly, saying, “I love how the media takes a few critics when the overwhelming response from the American people is support for what this administration is doing.”
She emphasized that public polling showed 70% of Americans, according to CBS, supported President Trump’s actions and believed he was fulfilling the promises he made during his campaign.
White House Response to ‘Fake News’ Claims
As Alexander attempted to interject, Leavitt continued, expressing her firm belief that the administration was tackling waste, fraud, and abuse.
She stated, “The president campaigned on that promise, Americans elected him on that promise, and he’s actually delivering on it.”
The White House’s rapid response team wasted no time sharing their exchange on social media, calling Alexander a “Fake News loser” for his stance.
The post further emphasized the administration’s commitment to eliminating wasteful government spending, calling out Alexander and the media for their opposition.
Leavitt Defends Trump’s Cost-Cutting Measures Against Democratic Criticism
Leavitt pointed to past statements by Democratic figures, including Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, who had expressed concerns about government waste.
She argued that Trump was the first president to actually take action on those promises, slashing unnecessary government expenditures.
“The cuts we’re making are what Democrats promised for decades,” she asserted.
“President Trump is the first president to get it done.”
Fraud Allegations and the Question of Legal Action
The exchange continued with Alexander asking Leavitt about the accusations of fraud associated with the cuts.
He questioned if evidence of fraud had been handed over to the Justice Department and when indictments might follow.
Leavitt responded by explaining her belief that certain government expenditures, like funding mastectomies in Mozambique, were a misuse of taxpayer money.
She also referenced a Social Security Administration report that found $71 billion in fraud, although Alexander clarified that the figure was accumulated over several years, not in one fiscal year.
Despite the correction, Leavitt pressed the point, asking Alexander, “So, are you defending $71 billion of fraud?”
Elon Musk’s DOGE and Divisive Impact on Washington
Leavitt’s comments were part of the broader debate surrounding DOGE, Elon Musk’s initiative aimed at reforming government spending.
While many have criticized the cuts—such as the controversial firing of Department of Energy workers responsible for overseeing America’s nuclear arsenal—MAGA Republicans have praised the department for its focus on eliminating wasteful spending.
In one of DOGE’s most significant moves, the department recently announced it had cut at least $1.9 billion from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), citing mismanagement during the Biden administration.
DOGE claimed the funds had been earmarked for financial services administration but were no longer needed due to a “broken process.”
Musk’s Proposal of DOGE Dividend for Taxpayers
Amid these cost-cutting measures, Musk has suggested a “DOGE dividend” of $5,000 for every American taxpayer, funded by the $55 billion in savings DOGE claims to have secured.
These savings were generated through a combination of fraud detection, contract cancellations, and asset sales.
The proposed dividend has sparked debate, with some urging that it would demonstrate the effectiveness of the savings, while others remain skeptical of the broader impact of these cuts.
Musk has said he plans to discuss the proposal with President Trump.
The confrontation between Leavitt and Alexander highlights the growing tension surrounding DOGE’s aggressive cost-cutting strategies and the political fallout it has generated in Washington.
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