White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt joined the conservative Ruthless Podcast on July 22, 2025, where she applauded what she called President Donald Trump’s “remarkable” first half-year of his second term and sharply criticized former President Joe Biden’s time in office.
During her appearance, Leavitt was candid in her disapproval of Biden. Pointing to his press secretary, she remarked, I believe my predecessor really struggled in this role for many reasons. Still, I almost pity her, since she was given the impossible job of representing a president who’s ‘brain-dead.’ She went on to say she meant this sincerely, directly taking aim at both Biden and his spokesperson, Karine Jean-Pierre.
Leavitt highlighted what she described as Trump’s biggest successes since returning to the White House in January 2025. She insisted, in a statement others might challenge as misleading, that Trump had already kept his two main campaign pledges in under six months—specifically citing the fight against inflation and efforts to secure the southern border.
She claimed that Trump implemented border security entirely through executive action, defying critics who argued that new legislation from Congress was necessary. Leavitt dismissed those arguments, insisting Americans wanted a president who could tackle these issues solo, without the need for additional bills.
The press secretary outlined several areas where she believes Trump has excelled, spotlighting foreign policy achievements like ending conflicts, securing the release of hostages from Gaza, and brokering trade agreements. She described Trump as tireless, saying the current administration’s style has been both effective and enjoyable.
Leavitt drew a comparison between Trump’s current term and his first presidency. She said Trump was constantly under fire during his first four years, dealing with what she called the ‘Russia hoax’ and impeachment trials. According to Leavitt, Trump now feels justified and is enjoying the job more, focusing on fulfilling promises instead of fighting for his political life—a notable contrast given the recent widespread media speculation, especially regarding the Jeffrey Epstein controversy.
Her podcast participation was part of the broader Trump administration effort to connect with audiences through alternative media channels. Recently, Fox News secured a licensing agreement with the Ruthless Podcast as it expanded into new digital platforms, a reflection of how Americans’ news consumption habits are shifting.
This outreach is consistent with Leavitt’s larger approach to White House communication. In earlier episodes of the podcast in March 2025, she stirred controversy by using profanity to describe certain liberal journalists and by explaining, alongside White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, how they handle what they view as biased media inquiries.
Since Trump’s return to office, the administration has made significant changes to the typical White House press briefing structure. In January 2025, Leavitt revealed that independent journalists, podcast hosts, social media influencers, and digital creators would all be welcome to apply for White House press credentials.
Interest in this new policy surged, with over 7,400 applications for digital media passes submitted in the first day. The White House later reported that more than 10,000 applications came in for the new media seat in the briefing room.
The Ruthless Podcast became the first to fill this new media position at White House briefings. With a focus on conservative politics and humor, the show is hosted by Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook.
When John Ashbrook of the Ruthless Podcast took the new media seat in January 2025, his first question was a pointed critique of mainstream media coverage of Trump’s immigration policies. Leavitt replied, The media is absolutely out of step with Americans.
The White House’s new media strategy goes beyond briefings. The Pentagon has also shifted to give workspace priority to newer or more conservative outlets, phasing out traditional news brands like The New York Times, NBC News, and NPR in favor of organizations like the New York Post, One America News Network, and Breitbart.
These changes mirror evolving ways Americans get their news, especially among younger people. According to Pew Research Center figures cited in reports on the administration’s media tactics, about 20 percent of Americans—many under 30—regularly turn to social media influencers instead of traditional news outlets.
Additionally, the Trump administration has launched a Rapid Response 47 account on X, aiming to quickly circulate the administration’s viewpoints and push back against journalists or stories they dispute. The account is dedicated to supporting Trump and holding what it calls ‘Fake Media’ to account.
At just 27, Leavitt is the youngest person ever to serve as White House Press Secretary. She has managed her role while balancing motherhood, frequently bringing her son Niko to the White House and sharing images of him in the Oval Office and during official meetings.g photos of him in the Oval Office and during meetings.