White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Urges Order During Chaotic Press Gaggle

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stepped in to calm tensions during a recent press gaggle after an intense exchange between reporters and officials led to a breakdown in communication.

The event, held at the traditional Stakeout Location outside the White House, featured Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. The two were on hand to answer questions about recent developments in foreign policy. However, the event quickly became chaotic as several reporters began speaking over one another, making it difficult for either official to respond effectively.

As the interruptions continued, Leavitt addressed the press directly. Stepping forward from behind the speakers, she said, “Guys, please. Let’s act like adults here. They are generously offering their time to answer your questions. You don’t need to scream at them like a bunch of school children.”

The moment, caught on video, quickly gained attention online, with reactions divided over the handling of the situation. Some praised Leavitt’s call for professionalism, while others criticized the gaggle’s structure and the limitations placed on press access.

This is not the first time Leavitt has made headlines. In a recent interview on Fox Business, she confirmed that repatriation flights carrying undocumented immigrants to Guantanamo Bay had begun. The move is part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy, which officials say is focused on individuals with criminal records.

“He [President Trump] is no longer going to allow America to be a dumping ground for illegal criminals from nations all over this world,” Leavitt said during the interview. She noted that both Venezuela and Colombia had agreed to cooperate with U.S. efforts to repatriate their nationals.

“The first flights from the United States to Guantanamo Bay with illegal migrants are underway,” she added, though no specific numbers were released during the interview.

Leavitt also addressed recent comments made by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who previously indicated he would consider housing an undocumented individual in his home — a statement he later retracted. Leavitt responded that the administration would ensure that all public officials comply with federal immigration laws.

“This administration will hold all elected leaders accountable if they break the law or fail to follow federal immigration policy,” she said.

In addition to immigration policy, Leavitt spoke earlier this week about the origins of COVID-19, echoing recent comments made by CIA Director John Ratcliffe. During a White House press briefing, Leavitt noted that many officials now support the theory that the virus originated from a lab in Wuhan, China — a theory that was initially met with skepticism when proposed in the early months of the pandemic.

“Many years too late, the American people are now learning what may have been known much earlier,” she said. “There was an opportunity to be transparent, and for reasons unknown, that chance was not taken.”

Ratcliffe, in an interview with Breitbart News, said he intends to prioritize a clear review of intelligence surrounding the pandemic’s origins. “I’ve been on record in saying I think our intelligence, our science, and our common sense all point to a lab-related incident,” he said.

He emphasized the need for government agencies to communicate more clearly with the public. “The CIA has not yet made that assessment publicly, and I intend to make sure the agency begins addressing these questions openly,” Ratcliffe added.

The White House has not yet released additional statements regarding the CIA’s review process, but the issue continues to draw interest from both lawmakers and the public, particularly in light of ongoing global health concerns and geopolitical tensions with China.

The past week has underscored the increasingly complex relationship between the media, federal officials, and the public. Whether on matters of national security, public health, or immigration, the administration’s messaging continues to draw intense scrutiny — and sometimes, disorderly moments like the one witnessed during the recent gaggle.