Karoline Leavitt vows to push Kevin Warsh Fed pick, defends Trump on immigration
WASHINGTON, DC: The White House announced on Sunday that it will work with the Senate to “quickly” confirm Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve. However, a key Republican senator has warned he may slow down the confirmation process.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Warsh's nomination during an appearance on Fox News’ "Sunday Morning Futures" with Maria Bartiromo, describing him as exceptionally qualified.
“President Trump has appointed Kevin Warsh, who is a highly qualified and distinguished economist with a very exceptional resumé,” Leavitt said. “And the White House is going to work with the Senate to quickly confirm him because we need a new chairman of the Fed,” she added.
Karoline Leavitt slams GOP senator who threatened to holdup
Leavitt responded to comments from Sen Thom Tillis (R-NC), a pivotal member of the Senate Banking Committee, who has suggested the committee should postpone action on Warsh’s nomination until the Justice Department concludes its investigation into current Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
“I certainly don’t think a United States sitting senator should be holding the entire country and our economy hostage over the fact that he has some political disagreements with an investigation that the Department of Justice is overseeing,” Leavitt said.
She described Tillis’ remarks “very unfortunate,” and indicated the administration plans to move forward despite internal Republican resistance.
Trump to retain final authority on immigration
In the same interview, Leavitt said President Donald Trump will retain final authority over any changes to immigration policy, as the administration faces nationwide protests and a Justice Department civil rights investigation into the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents.
While emphasizing the president's control, Leavitt mentioned the administration is engaging with lawmakers to address their concerns.
“Last week the White House invited moderate Democrat senators to come to the White House and discuss their concerns so that we can hear them out and at least see what they are trying to put on the table,” she said. “That meeting was blocked by their leadership.”
Leavitt says Trump will decide the future course
Leavitt stated that discussions are ongoing but made clear that Trump will ultimately determine the administration’s direction. “Ultimately, the president will be the decider on any policy changes,” she said.
Her comments come as protests in multiple cities over the administration’s intensified immigration enforcement, which led to increased scrutiny of federal operations and renewed calls from Democrats and advocacy groups for policy reform.
President Donald Trump has said federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security and immigration agencies like ICE and Border Patrol, will refrain from intervening in protests occurring in Democratic-led cities, unless local officials formally request assistance. He has directed DHS to avoid involvement in these demonstrations while ensuring the protection of federal property from damage.
Trump also sharply criticized Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for his refusal to have local police enforce federal immigration laws, warning he is “playing with fire.” Furthermore, he reiterated threats to cut federal funding from sanctuary cities that do not cooperate with immigration enforcement.
