White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back strongly Thursday against accusations that President Donald Trump has used his position for personal gain, calling the suggestion “ridiculous” and defending the administration’s record on ethics.
Leavitt responded to a question from reporters during a press briefing that implied the President may be financially benefiting from his time in office.
She dismissed the claim and pointed to President Trump’s decision to leave a successful private-sector career for public service.
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“Just get to the premise of your question that both of you have raised,” Leavitt said.
“I think it’s frankly ridiculous that anyone in this room would even suggest that President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit.”
Leavitt emphasized that President Trump had given up a lucrative business career to serve the American people and noted the personal financial cost he has endured.
“He left a life of luxury and a life of running a very successful real estate empire for public service, not just once, but twice,” she said.
“And again, the American public re-elected him back to this White House because they trust he acts in the best interest of our country and putting the American public first.”
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Leavitt underscored that President Trump’s time in office has come at a personal financial loss, rather than a gain.
“This is a president who has actually lost money for being President of the United States,” she stated.
The Press Secretary also took aim at what she described as a media double standard, referencing the lack of scrutiny over President Trump’s predecessor.
“I don’t remember the same type of questions being asked of my predecessor about a career politician who was clearly profiting off of this office,” Leavitt said.
Press Sec @karolineleavitt obliterates reporter for suggesting President Trump, who donates his entire presidential salary and left a life of luxury for public service, is profiting from his position:
“I don’t remember the same types of questions being asked of my predecessor… pic.twitter.com/wKlCjJpgMC
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) May 9, 2025
Leavitt’s remarks come amid a broader effort by the administration to highlight transparency, integrity, and contrast with previous leadership.
President Trump has repeatedly pointed to his refusal to accept a presidential salary and his extensive financial disclosures as proof of his administration’s ethical approach.
As the administration enters the next phase of its second term, Leavitt reiterated that President Trump’s focus remains on serving the American people, not personal enrichment.
The press briefing concluded with Leavitt reaffirming the administration’s commitment to upholding ethical standards, saying the American people “deserve nothing less.”
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Cross swords with her and she will cut you up everttime.
Ask them about how Fuehrer Barry the Fairy Obama and Nazi PeeLousy managed to get as rich as they are on the salaries that we paid them.
KAROLINE, CHAINSAW MILLER, DAN BONGINO, KASH PATEL, JD VANCE, TOM HOMAN, AND PETE HEGSETH ARE ALL MY TOP PICKS IN THE ADMINISTRATION. LUNA HAS REDEEMED HERSELF, AND IS BACK ON TRACK. MTG IS MAKING LIFE HELL FOR THE DEMONRATS. MY ONLY DISAPPOINTMENT IS YOKO ONO, THE QUEEN OF THE PRESSERS, THE ANDY KAUFMAN, WHO HAS TO TELL US EVERY DAY WHAT A GREAT JOB SHE IS DOING. FROM THE BINDER DEBACLE TO HER APPEARANCES ON FOX, I’M SICK OF LOOKING AT HER. THE REPUBLICRATS AND REPUBLICLONES ARE ON NOTICE FOR 2026.
M s. Leavitt is a total liar and a complete robotic propaganda spewer. If she opens her mouth you know only lies and bald faced insults will come out. However she is a perfect public face for a disgusting and disreputable Administration.
Where did the bad woman touch you ma’am? Cope harder. We’re laughing at you.
Sorry to hear your grants fell through.
You must be a Democrat, they don’t know the truth when it hits them in the face.
Archie1954, are you an idiot? Disreputable? Disgusting? Joe actually lied to us about where he got his money, his son, Faucci and so much more. Do you not remember how much gas cost? Lumber? Cereal? Your 401K (wait, you probably don’t have one)? I suggest you crawl back under that rock where you were apparently hiding for the previous four years, because, had you been among the land of the living, you’d be able to differentiate between getting things done like the Energizer bunny [read: TRUMP] and sleeping from 2pm – 10am [read:super slow joe biden… his name does not warrant being capitalized]. You liberals are all the same, you’re jealous that your own party hasn’t been capable of doing anything else other than setting fires, scratching cars, cussing, spending money on illegals, spitting on people, and acting like whinny preschoolers. Grow up, and try watching something other than CNN.