The White House pushed back aggressively on Tuesday against a recent media profile of Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, dismissing the reporting as “fake news” even as President Donald Trump prepares to address the nation on his administration’s first-year milestones.
During an appearance on FOX News Channel’s America Reports, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to a two-part Vanity Fair series focused on Wiles and the president’s inner circle. Despite acknowledging that the White House cooperated with the publication—including interviews and portraits—Leavitt characterized the final product as a “bias of omission.”
“The reporter omitted all of the positive things that Susie and our team said about the president and the inner workings of the White House,” Leavitt told anchors Sandra Smith and John Roberts. She echoed Wiles’ own statement, calling the article a “disingenuously framed hit piece” that took quotes out of context.
READ: ‘Absolute Bullsh*t’: NY GOP Rep. Lawler Goes Nuclear After Health Subsidy Talks Collapse
“It won’t distract us from making America great again,” Leavitt added, defending Wiles as the “best chief of staff in our nation’s history.”
Primetime Address and ISIS Threat
Beyond the media feud, the administration is pivoting to a major policy speech. Leavitt confirmed that President Trump is scheduled to deliver a primetime address to the nation tomorrow at 9:00 p.m. ET.
The speech is expected to highlight the administration’s legislative and economic record over the last 11 months, with a focus on border security measures and inflation reduction. Leavitt noted the president may also “tease some policy” planned for the upcoming year.
READ: Florida Delegation Hails ‘American Dominance’ as SpaceX Starship Ops Shift To Sunshine State
The address comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. When asked about the resurgence of ISIS and the situation in Syria, Leavitt reiterated the president’s confidence in the Syrian government’s ability to manage the threat, though she warned of severe consequences for recent attacks.
“They will be hit hard,” President Trump said in a clip played during the segment.
Leavitt confirmed the president will travel to Dover Air Force Base tomorrow for the dignified transfer of remains of soldiers killed in recent violence, a tragedy the administration attributes to policy failures inherited from the previous administration.
Economic Outlook
On the domestic front, the White House continues to tout recent economic figures, despite mixed headlines regarding the November jobs report which showed 64,000 positions added. Leavitt argued the administration is prioritizing the American workforce over foreign labor.
READ: Medical Hold: Rob Reiner’s Son Misses Court Following Parents’ Double Homicide
“President Trump is focused on putting Americans back to work,” Leavitt said, claiming that wage growth has stabilized and the average worker is earning more annually compared to the previous administration.
Energy costs also remain a central talking point. With gas prices dipping below $3 a gallon nationally—and under $2 in some states—officials credit the aggressive “drill, baby, drill” approach for easing the burden on consumers heading into the holiday season.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
