Karoline Leavitt earns new nickname over heated exchange with 'GMA's Michael Strahan: 'Took another soul'

The political aide was defending Donald Trump administration's policy asking federal government workers to return to office
UPDATED JAN 31, 2025
Karoline Leavitt was hailed for befitting reply to GMA's Michael Strahan (YouTube/ Good Morning America/ ABC News)
Karoline Leavitt was hailed for befitting reply to GMA's Michael Strahan (YouTube/ Good Morning America/ ABC News)

WASHINGTON, DC: The new White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has been hailed online and also given a new nickname after a contentious exchange with ‘Good Morning America’ host Michael Strahan live on air.

She had a heated exchange with the television host while defending Donald Trump administration's policy asking federal government workers to return to office, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The government employees have time until February 6 to return to in-office work for five days a week, or they can choose buyouts and resign from their positions.



 

Michael Strahan suggests doctors and scientists may decide to leave their jobs

During the interview, Strahan questioned Leavitt that what if the new policy forces people to leave their jobs instead of returning to in-office work.

As per a memo from the Office of Personnel Management, if the government workers “resign under this program, you will retain all pay and benefits regardless of your daily workload and will be exempted from all applicable in-person work requirements until September 30.”

“Is there any concern that we risk losing people with years of experience like doctors and let's say, scientists?” the former football player asked.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Karoline Leavitt is seen leaving Trump Tower on April 25, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
Karoline Leavitt is seen leaving Trump Tower on April 25, 2024 in New York, New York (MEGA/GC Images)

Karoline Leavitt says American taxpayers expect people in office

Leavitt immediately hit back, saying, “Well, most doctors who work in actual hospitals and medical institutions have to show up to the office. We know that employees are more productive and more efficient when they are working in an in-office environment.”

The youngest-ever White House press secretary also went on to state that “that is what this administration expects and I think that's what American taxpayers expect.”

“Don't forget it's the American people that are funding this government and they deserve people that are actually showing up to work on their behalf,” she added.

Netizens call Karoline Leavitt ‘absolutely fabulous’

Fans of Leavitt soon came out in her support on social media, with one calling her “fake news' grim reaper.”



 

They said, “Karoline Leavitt just took another soul on live TV. She's like the fake news' grim reaper.”



 

Another user tweeted, “Leavitt is so good at this!!”



 

“She's absolutely fabulous and professional as hell!🔥🔥🔥,” the third one stated.



 

“Stone-cold killer. Will reach legend status,” a fan posted.



 

“I'm loving Karoline, she's amazing,” the second fan wrote.



 

“Another classic @michaelstrahan moment. People won’t forget,” a tweet read.

A person shared, "She’s stacking media bodies left and right! 👊🏻🇺🇸."



 

Karoline Leavitt encourages people producing legitimate news content

Leavitt has very soon become a favorite of Trump and his supporters. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds her first news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on January 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. At 27-years-old, Leavitt is the youngest White House press secretary in U.S. history. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds her first news conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on January 28, 2025 in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Her debut was on Tuesday, January 28, in the White House press briefing room, where she announced, “Whether you are a TikTok content creator, a blogger, or a podcaster, if you are producing legitimate news content, no matter the medium, you will be allowed to apply for press credentials in this White House,” which led to 7,400 people signing up for a seat.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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