Karoline Leavitt Shouts ‘Press Out’, Abruptly Ends Trump Event at White House

In a surprising turn of events, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shouted “Press out!” and abruptly ended a Trump administration press briefing in the Oval Office. The incident occurred during a live press event following Dr. Mehmet Oz’s swearing-in as the new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administrator.

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The Disruption

As President Donald Trump was addressing the media, Leavitt interjected, commanding the press to leave the room. The sudden interruption caught attendees off guard, leading to immediate speculation about the reasons behind the decision.​

Leavitt’s Role and Background

At 27, Karoline Leavitt is the youngest individual to serve as White House press secretary. Appointed by President Trump in November 2024, she has quickly become a prominent figure in the administration’s communication strategy. Leavitt has been known for her assertive approach in managing media interactions and has previously faced scrutiny over her handling of press access and information dissemination.​www.ndtv.com+5Business Insider+5Business Insider+5

Media Access Policies Under Scrutiny

The incident adds to ongoing concerns regarding the Trump administration’s media access policies. In February 2025, the White House implemented new restrictions on press access, limiting the participation of major wire services like the Associated Press, Reuters, and Bloomberg in presidential events. These changes have sparked debates about transparency and the First Amendment rights of journalists. Critics argue that such measures could undermine public trust and hinder the free flow of information.​Midland Daily News+3AP News+3AP News+3Midland Daily News+3The White House+3AP News+3

Public and Media Reactions

The abrupt end to the press briefing has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of the administration view it as a necessary step to maintain control over media narratives, while opponents see it as an attempt to suppress critical reporting. The White House Correspondents’ Association has expressed concerns over the increasing limitations on press access, emphasizing the importance of an independent and free press in a democratic society.​Yahoo News+3YouTube+3YouTube+3Midland Daily News

Looking Ahead

As the Trump administration continues to navigate its relationship with the media, incidents like this highlight the delicate balance between maintaining effective communication strategies and upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. The coming weeks may see further developments as discussions around media access and press freedoms evolve.​

For a firsthand account of the incident, you can watch the video below: