Karoline Leavitt rebukes reporter over Trump ‘falsely called racist’ claim

WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly defended President Donald Trump on Wednesday, February 18, after a reporter asked for examples of when the president had been “falsely called racist.” The exchange came during the daily briefing, with Leavitt reacting with visible disbelief before outlining the president’s record and promising evidence.

The tense moment followed a statement Trump issued mourning the death of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, in which he referenced being unfairly labeled a racist.

Reporter’s question prompts sharp rebuttal from Karoline Leavitt

During the briefing, a reporter cited Trump’s statement about Jackson and asked, “Yesterday, in his statement about Jesse Jackson, the president said ‘despite the fact that I'm falsely and consistently called a racist by the scoundrels and lunatics and the radical left Democrats all, it was always my pleasure to help Jesse along the way.’ Where or when does the president believe he's been falsely called racist?”

Leavitt responded with clear incredulity. “You’re kidding?” she said, prompting the reporter to confirm he was serious. She then promised to provide examples and documentation, saying, “I will pull you a plethora of examples. I'm going to get my team in that room to start, going through the Internet of radical Democrats throughout the years who have accused this president falsely of being a racist.”

She added, “I'm sure there's many people in this room and on network television across the country who have accused him of the same. In fact, I know that because I've seen it with my own eyes.”

Leavitt cites Trump’s policies and Black History Month event

Leavitt also drew attention to what she described as Trump’s record benefiting Americans across racial lines. She mentioned that the president was scheduled to hold an event later Wednesday marking Black History Month.

She pointed to policy initiatives supporting both the Black community and Americans broadly, including the administration’s funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the creation of Trump accounts. “So, there is a lot this president has done for all Americans, regardless of race, and he has absolutely been falsely called and smeared as a racist,” Leavitt said.

She concluded with a promise to the press corps: “I'm happy to provide you those receipts, and we gladly will right after this briefing.”

Trump’s tribute to Jesse Jackson reignites debate over racism claims

The exchange stemmed from Trump’s social media post after Jackson’s death at age 84. In the tribute, Trump shared photos with Jackson and described him as a “good man with lots of personality, grit and ‘street smarts.’”

He also reiterated his efforts to support Jackson’s causes, including providing office space for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and assisting with criminal justice reform. Trump emphasized his work securing long-term funding for HBCUs, adding, “Jesse was a force of nature like few others before him. He loved his family greatly, and to them I send my deepest sympathies and condolences. Jesse will be missed!”