Karoline Leavitt

Rule Changes

Defending administration's position

For 118 years, the National Governors Association brought state leaders of both parties to the White House for working sessions with the president. That ended this week when President Trump limited invitations to Republicans only, prompting the organization's Republican chairman to withdraw it from the event entirely. Eighteen Democratic governors announced a boycott of the traditional White House dinner, and two governors—Maryland's Wes Moore and Colorado's Jared Polis—were excluded from all events without explanation.

Updated May 27

Force in Play

Defending Trump's Greenland acquisition agenda

The United States has operated military bases in Greenland since 1941, under agreements with Denmark. On January 15, 2026, NATO allies deployed troops to the island to counter U.S. pressure after American-Danish talks collapsed. On January 17, President Trump announced 10% tariffs on eight European countries: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The tariffs will rise to 25% by June unless 'a deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.' On January 20, Trump declared on Truth Social that 'there can be no going back' on Greenland, calling it 'imperative for National and World Security.' That same day, Denmark deployed its Army Chief, General Peter Boysen, alongside 58 additional troops to Greenland, bringing total Danish military presence to approximately 178 personnel for Operation Arctic Endurance.

Updated May 21

Built World

Defending the administration’s sequencing: demolition now, approvals later

At a January 22 hearing on the National Trust's preliminary injunction request, Judge Richard Leon signaled deep skepticism about Trump's authority to tear down "an icon that's a national institution" using $400 million in private donations. Leon called the funding mechanism a "Rube Goldberg contraption" and is expected to rule in February; Trump declared on Truth Social that "IT IS TOO LATE" to stop the project, claiming structural steel, marble, and bulletproof glass are already lined up.

Updated May 15

Money Moves

Defending Trump administration’s attacks on labor statistics and signaling missing October data may never be released

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points on December 10, 2025, in a deeply divided 9–3 vote—the most dissents in six years, bringing the funds rate to 3.5–3.75%. Minutes released December 30 revealed the decision was 'finely balanced,' with officials split over whether weak hiring or inflation poses the greater risk.

Updated May 10