White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt engaged in a contentious exchange with an Associated Press reporter during Tuesday’s press briefing, pushing back against claims that President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs should be considered tax increases. The discussion underscored the ongoing debate over Trump’s trade policies and their potential impact on the American economy.
The exchange began when the AP reporter pressed Leavitt on Trump’s economic priorities, specifically framing tariffs as indirect tax hikes. Leavitt rejected the characterization, arguing that tariffs function as protective measures against foreign trade practices rather than tax burdens on American consumers.
“Not true,” Leavitt responded when the reporter described tariffs as tax increases, asserting that the administration views them as a tool to support domestic industries. “Tariffs are a tax hike on foreign countries that have been ripping us off. Tariffs are a tax cut for the American people.”
Leavitt further emphasized that Trump remains committed to reducing taxes overall, pointing to his campaign promises, including eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits. She reiterated that the administration’s economic approach prioritizes American workers and businesses.
The exchange intensified when the AP reporter challenged Leavitt, asking, “I’m sorry, have you ever paid a tariff? Because I have.” The reporter argued that tariffs are imposed on importers rather than foreign governments, implying that American businesses ultimately absorb the cost.
Leavitt dismissed the question, calling it “insulting” and maintaining that Trump’s trade policies would result in long-term economic benefits. “Ultimately, when we have fair and balanced trade, which the American people have not seen in decades, revenues will stay here, wages will go up, and our country will be made wealthy again,” she said. “I now regret giving a question to the Associated Press.”
🚨 LMAO! Karoline Leavitt just SLAMMED an AP “reporter.”
REPORTER: “Have you ever paid a tariff?”
LEAVITT: “It’s Insulting you are testing my knowledge of economics, and the decisions of the president. I regret giving a question to the AP.”
Screw AP. pic.twitter.com/nlzQtmhRPP
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 11, 2025
The Associated Press recently filed a lawsuit against three Trump administration officials, including Leavitt, after the White House restricted AP reporters’ access. The dispute arose after the news agency declined to use the administration’s preferred term, “Gulf of America,” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.” The lawsuit, citing alleged First and Fifth Amendment violations, has a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for March 20.
This is the AP weasel who snapped at Karoline Leavitt in the White House over tariffs just now
He is a career journalist with zero business experience, but attempted to go on a tirade as if he was some sort of expert
He doesn’t even have a degree in economics pic.twitter.com/q8hGiXOQhn
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) March 11, 2025
The press briefing followed a major announcement by President Trump regarding U.S.-Canada trade relations. Earlier in the day, Trump revealed a significant increase in tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, raising rates from 25% to 50%. The decision was framed as a response to Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s implementation of a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the United States.
Trump also warned that unless Canada rolls back additional trade restrictions, tariffs on Canadian automobiles would increase on April 2. He suggested that such measures would place severe pressure on Canada’s automobile manufacturing sector.
In addition to tariffs, Trump announced plans to declare a National Emergency on Electricity within affected areas, arguing that decisive action was necessary to counter what he described as an economic threat posed by Canada. He criticized the U.S. reliance on Canadian electricity exports and questioned why energy was being used as leverage in trade negotiations.
Trump’s announcement concluded with an unconventional suggestion that Canada should consider joining the United States as the 51st state. He claimed that such a move would eliminate all tariffs and trade disputes while providing Canadians with lower taxes, enhanced military security, and economic stability. The remark drew mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a lighthearted comment and others questioning whether it was a serious policy proposal.
