Trump Playfully Suggests Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt May Be Behind 'Bad Publicity'

The president's approval ratings have hit a record low amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:33pm

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A fractured, abstract painting of a podium or microphone in motion, with overlapping geometric shapes in deep red, navy blue, and gold, conveying a sense of political turmoil and division.As the Trump administration battles negative press coverage and plunging approval ratings amid the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, the president's playful criticism of his press secretary reflects the administration's struggle to control the narrative.Washington Today

President Donald Trump recently took a lighthearted jab at his White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, suggesting she might be responsible for his negative press coverage. The 79-year-old president made the remarks while signing new legislation, noting the significant amount of 'bad publicity' he receives, which he estimated to be between 93% and 97%. He then turned his attention to the 28-year-old Leavitt, who was standing nearby, and asked if she was 'doing a poor job' that could be contributing to the bad press.

Why it matters

Trump's comments come at a time when his net approval rating has dipped to a new low of -16.7, largely influenced by public sentiment regarding the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. The president's playful criticism of his press secretary highlights the challenges the administration faces in managing its public image and messaging amidst a politically charged environment.

The details

Trump's lighthearted remarks about Leavitt's performance are not the first time he has questioned her position on his staff. In October 2025, during a diplomacy meeting with reporters, he similarly asked for their evaluation of Leavitt, inquiring if she should be replaced. However, several reporters present quickly vouched for Leavitt's competence, leading the president to assure her that replacing her would 'never happen.' Leavitt has been a steadfast and loyal member of the Trump administration, initially joining his 2024 presidential campaign as his national press secretary and then transitioning with him into his second presidential term in January 2025.

  • On March 31, 2026, Trump made the remarks about Leavitt's performance while signing new legislation in the Oval Office.
  • In October 2025, Trump previously questioned Leavitt's position on his staff during a diplomacy meeting with reporters.
  • Leavitt is scheduled to go on maternity leave in the coming weeks, as she and her husband are expecting their second child in May 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old President of the United States, who is currently serving his second term.

Karoline Leavitt

The 28-year-old White House press secretary, who has been a steadfast and loyal member of the Trump administration since joining his 2024 presidential campaign.

Davis Ingle

The White House spokesperson, who emphasized the administration's priorities and rationale for the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

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What they’re saying

“I got 93% bad publicity, some people say 97, but between 93 and 97.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“A person that gets 97% of bad... maybe Karoline's doing a poor job, I don't know. You're doing a terrible job.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“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.”

— Davis Ingle, White House Spokesperson

What’s next

Leavitt is scheduled to go on maternity leave in the coming weeks, as she and her husband are expecting their second child in May 2026.

The takeaway

Trump's playful criticism of his press secretary Karoline Leavitt highlights the challenges the administration faces in managing its public image and messaging amidst a politically charged environment, particularly with the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran impacting the president's approval ratings.