White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt put NBC’s Peter Alexander on the defensive after he tried to downplay the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce government waste, fraud, and abuse. During Friday’s exchange, Leavitt firmly countered Alexander’s claims, presenting clear, undeniable facts. Alexander attempted to characterize the budget cuts as “sloppy” and referenced supposed complaints from constituents. But Leavitt wasn’t swayed, hitting back with precise data.
“I love how the media takes a few critics when the overwhelming response from the American people is support for what this administration is doing,” she fired back. “If you look at the public polling, 70% of Americans, according to CBS, believe that President Trump is delivering on the promises he made.” Leavitt reminded Alexander that Trump campaigned on promises to cut waste and fraud and that the American people elected him for this purpose.
Things escalated further when Alexander pressed on the issue of fraud, questioning whether the administration had provided evidence to the Department of Justice. Leavitt quickly highlighted the staggering extent of government mismanagement. “In fact, according to an IG report from the Social Security Administration, there were seventy-one billion dollars worth of fraud in one single fiscal year that we know about,” she explained. Alexander tried to correct her, stating that the $71 billion in fraud had accumulated over several years, from 2015 to 2022. Leavitt was not convinced by his argument.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt brutalizes NBC correspondent Peter Alexander for cherry-picking complaints about Trump’s DOGE cuts.
“I love how the media takes a few critics when the overwhelming response from the American people is support” for it. pic.twitter.com/3ifdccJ2Fk
— USA Features Media (@UsaFeatures) February 21, 2025
“So are you defending $71 billion in fraud, Peter?” she fired back. “That’s a lot of money, far too much. And that’s why this administration… Why is the media so against cutting waste, fraud, and abuse from the government? I don’t get it.” Leavitt then emphasized that American taxpayers—already burdened by high inflation—don’t want their hard-earned money spent on radical DEI programs abroad or lost in fraudulent Social Security payments.
Alexander attempted to shift the focus in typical mainstream media fashion, but Leavitt had already made her point crystal clear. According to the CBS News poll Leavitt referenced, Trump is enjoying net positive approval ratings in the early weeks of his term. Described by many as “tough,” “energetic,” “focused,” and “effective,” he is widely recognized for fulfilling his campaign promises.
