In a stunning twist, Donald Trump is blaming one of his most loyal staff for bad publicity
He's joking. Or is he?
President Donald Trump recently took a playful jab at his White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, suggesting she might be responsible for his negative press coverage. The president made these remarks on Tuesday, March 31, in the Oval Office while signing new legislation. This comes as his approval ratings have hit a record low, largely influenced by the ongoing U.S.–Israeli war on Iran.
According to UNILAD, at the event, Trump mentioned the significant amount of “bad publicity” he receives. “I got 93% bad publicity, some people say 97, but between 93 and 97,” Trump, 79, stated without citing a specific source for these figures.
He then turned his attention to Leavitt, 28, who was standing nearby with members of the press. “A person that gets 97% of bad… maybe Karoline’s doing a poor job, I don’t know.” With a joking tone, he continued, “You’re doing a terrible job.” He then playfully asked, “Shall we keep her? I think we’ll keep her.”
The weeks-long war on Iran has directly impacted his approval ratings
This lighthearted criticism arrives at a time when Trump’s net approval rating has dipped to -16.7, a new low for his second term. Just two weeks prior, his approval rating stood at -13.9. These declining numbers are notably linked to public sentiment regarding the war in Iran.
Despite the president’s assurances that the United States is performing well in the conflict, which he asserts is led by Israel, many people have not approved of the war itself. It seems the public is not entirely convinced by the administration’s narrative, leading to a surge of critics and a challenging environment for the White House.
This isn’t the first time Trump has made such playful remarks about Leavitt’s performance or her position on his staff. Back in October 2025, during a diplomacy meeting with reporters, he similarly asked for their evaluation of Leavitt. “How’s Karoline doing? Is she doing good?” Trump inquired. “Should Karoline be replaced?”
Several reporters present quickly vouched for Leavitt’s competence, leading President Trump to assure her that replacing her would “never happen.” He even added, “That face… and those lips, they move like a machine gun.”
Leavitt has been a steadfast and loyal member of the Trump administration. She initially joined his 2024 presidential campaign as his national press secretary. Following his victory over Kamala Harris, Leavitt transitioned with him into his second presidential term in January 2025.
Her appointment made history, as she became the youngest person ever to hold the prestigious position of White House press secretary. Her youth and rapid ascent in such a high-profile role are truly impressive, showcasing her dedication and skill in navigating the demanding world of political communications.
Trump has often spoken highly of the press secretary and her contributions
In August 2025, he praised her extensively. “She’s a star, and she’s great,” Trump said of Leavitt. “I don’t think anybody has ever had a better press secretary than Karoline. She’s been amazing.” These past statements highlight the president’s general approval of her work, suggesting his recent comments were more in jest than a serious critique.
However, Trump will soon experience a brief period without Leavitt. She is scheduled to go on maternity leave in the coming weeks. In December 2025, Leavitt shared that she and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, 60, are expecting their second child. The couple already shares a son, Niko, who was born in July 2024.
“The greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for — a baby girl coming in May 2026,” she said. “My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and can’t wait to watch our son become a big brother. My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood, which I truly believe is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth.”
Addressing Trump’s approval ratings and the war in Iran, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle emphasized the administration’s priorities. “What matters most to the American people is having a Commander-in-Chief who takes decisive action to eliminate threats and keep them safe, which is exactly what President Trump is doing with the ongoing successful Operation Epic Fury,” Ingle stated.
He further explained the president’s rationale for the military actions. “President Trump campaigned proudly on his promise to deny the Iranian regime the ability to develop a nuclear weapon, which is what this noble operation is seeking to accomplish. The President does not make these incredibly important national security decisions based on fluid opinion polls, but on the best interest of the American people.”
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