“White House ERUPTS as Karoline Leavitt Slams AP Reporter Josh Boak Over Tariff Question, Shuts Him Down With Blistering Response That Leaves Room Speechless—Fans Call It the Ultimate Power Move!”

“Karoline Leavitt Shuts Down AP Reporter in Explosive Exchange Over Trump Tariffs: ‘That’s Insulting’”

Washington, D.C. — In one of the most heated exchanges from the Trump White House to date, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt found herself in a viral moment during a March 11 press briefing when Associated Press reporter Josh Boak questioned her stance on President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. What followed was a fiery back-and-forth that left the briefing room stunned—and the internet ablaze.

Boak, referencing Trump’s upcoming remarks to the Business Roundtable, challenged Leavitt by calling tariffs “tax hikes,” questioning why Trump prioritized them over traditional tax cuts. Leavitt didn’t hold back.

“Tariffs are a tax cut for the American people,” she snapped. “And I think it’s insulting that you’re trying to test my knowledge of economics.”

Boak Presses, Leavitt Fires Back

Boak persisted, pushing back with a personal jab: “I’m sorry. Have you ever paid a tariff? Because I have.” His implication that Leavitt didn’t understand the mechanics of trade policy didn’t land well.

Leavitt, 27, kept her composure and fired back with a calm yet sharp response that’s since gone viral:

“Ultimately, when we have fair and balanced trade, revenues will stay here, wages will go up, and our country will be made wealthy again.”

Her refusal to be talked down to in the male-dominated press corps earned her a wave of praise from conservative commentators and supporters on social media.

Media Access War Intensifies

The dramatic confrontation comes amid growing tensions between the Trump administration and traditional media. Following recent disputes, the Associated Press has reportedly been banned from participating in pooled Oval Office visits and Air Force One trips.

Leavitt took the opportunity to double down during her follow-up appearance on Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo.

“The mainstream media is not interested in honest dialogue,” she said. “They chase viral gotcha moments, not substance.”

Critics, Supporters Sound Off

While critics argue that Leavitt’s dismissal of Boak’s question was evasive, others called it a much-needed shift in tone from the press podium. One viewer wrote on X: “She’s the youngest press secretary ever, and she’s handling legacy media like a pro.”

Even those skeptical of Trump’s tariff strategy took note of Leavitt’s ability to remain composed under fire. Her sharp response has since been replayed across news networks and social platforms, further cementing her growing presence in conservative media circles.

Conclusion: A Moment That Won’t Be Forgotten

Whether viewed as a masterclass in poise or another flashpoint in the war between Trump and the press, Karoline Leavitt’s confrontation with Josh Boak is already one of the defining media moments of 2025. As the administration pushes forward with a new wave of tariffs and media restrictions, the briefing room may just be getting started.