White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed a reporter’s question about peaceful protests at an upcoming military parade as “stupid,” highlighting tensions between the Trump administration and the media over First Amendment issues.
At a Glance
- Press Secretary Leavitt called a question about Trump allowing peaceful protests at his military parade “stupid” while maintaining the president supports First Amendment rights
- Trump warned that protesters at Saturday’s $45 million military parade would face “very heavy force”
- Over 300 illegal immigrants have been arrested in Los Angeles since anti-ICE riots began June 6, with more than 150 having criminal records
- Elon Musk apologized for criticizing President Trump, though no efforts have been made to reinstate him in the administration
Tense Exchange at White House Briefing
A White House press briefing turned contentious when Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed a reporter’s question about President Trump’s position on First Amendment rights. The reporter asked whether Trump would allow peaceful protests during his upcoming military parade in Washington, D.C., scheduled to coincide with the president’s birthday. Leavitt responded by calling it “a stupid question” before stating that President Trump supports peaceful protests and the First Amendment.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the press corps over freedom of speech issues. Leavitt emphasized that while the president supports constitutional rights, he does not condone violence or assaults on law enforcement officers. The administration’s stance comes after Trump warned that protesters at Saturday’s parade would be met with “very heavy force,” referring to potential demonstrators as “people that hate our country.”
Military Parade and Security Concerns
The upcoming military parade in Washington, D.C. is expected to cost approximately $45 million and will feature military hardware and thousands of soldiers. The event has raised questions about security measures and how the administration will handle potential protesters. Trump’s comments about using force against demonstrators have intensified scrutiny over the administration’s approach to First Amendment protections during official government events.
The parade preparations come amid nationwide protests against immigration enforcement raids. Leavitt used the briefing to pivot attention to recent immigration enforcement actions, highlighting the administration’s priorities in addressing illegal immigration and associated unrest. The president’s warnings about potential protesters at the parade reflect his administration’s firm stance on maintaining order during the high-profile military display.
Immigration Enforcement Updates
During the briefing, Leavitt provided updates on immigration enforcement efforts, reporting that over 300 illegal immigrants have been arrested in Los Angeles since anti-ICE protests began on June 6. She noted that more than half of those arrested had criminal records, underscoring the administration’s focus on removing individuals with criminal histories from the country. These arrests come as part of the administration’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration.
The White House has criticized local officials in Los Angeles for their handling of anti-ICE protests, suggesting insufficient support for federal law enforcement efforts. The administration has positioned its immigration enforcement actions as necessary for public safety and national security, particularly in areas experiencing unrest related to immigration policies.
Musk’s Apology to Trump
In a separate development, Elon Musk, the former head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has apologized for recent posts criticizing the president. According to Leavitt, President Trump appreciated Musk’s apology, but no efforts have been made to reinstate him in any administrative position. This indicates that while the relationship may be on the mend, Musk’s formal role in the administration remains uncertain.
The apology comes after a period of apparent tension between Trump and Musk, who had been a high-profile supporter during the campaign and early administration. The press secretary’s comments suggest that while communication lines remain open, the administration is not currently planning to restore Musk to his previous position or create a new role for him within the government.
