Karoline Leavitt slams CNN for ‘fake news’ on Trump wanting to change Cabinet: ‘Shame on you’
This story is 100% Fake News, and the White House repeatedly told this to CNN in the strongest possible terms. Yet they still wrote the story because their ratings are dying so they thrive off drama that does not exist.
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) November 21, 2025
The truth is: President Trump could not be happier with… https://t.co/ercJVAFTr1
WASHINGTON, DC: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back after CNN published a story about a potential shake-up in Donald Trump’s Cabinet. The network reported that Trump might consider changes as he approaches the one-year mark of his term.
In a post on X on Friday, November 21, Leavitt dismissed the claims as “Fake News” and directly called out CNN, saying, “Shame on you.” She accused the network of creating such stories “to thrive off the drama and gain attention,” suggesting the outlet’s ratings were declining.
As of now, no final decisions about personnel changes have been made in the Trump administration.
Karoline Leavitt calls out CNN for false Cabinet shake-up report
Leavitt reshared CNN correspondent Priscilla Alvarez’s post and wrote, “This story is 100% Fake News, and the White House repeatedly told this to CNN in the strongest possible terms. Yet they still wrote the story because their ratings are dying, so they thrive off drama that does not exist,” she added.
CNN reported that possible changes were being discussed for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright. In response, a CNN spokesperson told The Hill, “We stand behind our carefully sourced reporting on the White House’s possible plans to shake up President Trump’s cabinet. The administration was given an opportunity to respond to this reporting, and those comments and perspectives are included in the story.”
CNN reports potential turnover in key Trump administration posts
The network noted, “Trump’s cadre of secretaries, administrators, and directors that form the official Cabinet has so far been relatively steady by design. Officials close to the president aimed to avoid the imagery of Trump’s turnover-filled first term in office. But that could change as he completes his first year back in office in January.”
CNN’s sources also suggested there could be turnover at the Department of Energy, currently led by Chris Wright, a former Colorado fracking executive whose relationship with the White House has reportedly frayed in recent months. Leavitt countered, “The cabinet is not changing no matter how much CNN wishes that it would because it thrives off drama.”
Rising tension inside DHS and Energy Department cited
CNN’s story highlighted growing discomfort at the Department of Homeland Security over Secretary Kristi Noem’s reliance on Corey Lewandowski, a longtime ally serving in a temporary advisory role. Officials reportedly said Lewandowski influenced key decisions, causing frustration among senior staff.
Inside the Department of Energy, some officials claimed Secretary Chris Wright had not moved fast enough on Trump’s energy goals. Wright and the DOE denied the accusations, stating that Trump had praised their work, according to Newsweek.
Donald Trump administration’s long-running clashes with CNN
This is not the first time the Trump administration has criticized CNN. For years, Trump and his allies have clashed with the network, with the president mocking top hosts and calling CNN journalists biased.
Trump has not yet commented on this latest report, but given past reactions, a response from him could be expected.
