White House Press Secretary Clashes with Reporter Over Musk-Backed Budget Cuts
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt found herself in a fiery exchange with NBC News reporter Peter Alexander on Friday over the controversial cost-cutting measures spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The confrontation unfolded outside the White House when Alexander challenged what some critics have called a “chainsaw approach” to slashing government spending—referring to DOGE’s aggressive budget reductions that have triggered backlash in both red and blue districts.
“We’re now hearing from constituents—even in traditionally conservative areas—who are upset about what they describe as sloppy and severe cuts to jobs and essential services,” Alexander said. “How do you respond to that criticism?”
Leavitt, 27, didn’t hold back.
“I love how the media finds a few vocal critics and ignores the overwhelming support from the American public,” she responded. “According to CBS polling, 70 percent of Americans believe President Trump is delivering on his promises.”
As Alexander tried to interrupt, Leavitt spoke over him: “There’s no secret here—this administration is committed to cutting waste, fraud, and abuse. The president campaigned on it, voters elected him on it, and now he’s delivering.”
The intense exchange was later shared by the White House’s “rapid response” account on X (formerly Twitter), which labeled Alexander a “Fake News loser.”
Leavitt went on to defend DOGE’s actions, referencing viral clips of former Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton criticizing government waste. “This is something Democrats have promised to do for decades. President Trump is simply the first to actually follow through.”
The confrontation escalated when Alexander shifted focus to fraud, asking: “Fraud is a crime. Has the administration turned over any evidence to the Justice Department? When can we expect indictments?”
Leavitt replied, “That’s a clever question,” before pivoting: “I think most Americans agree that funding mastectomies in Mozambique isn’t something their tax dollars should be going to.”
Pressed further on whether that example constituted fraud, she added: “I think it’s fraudulent that taxpayers have been ripped off like this.”
According to DOGE, the administration has saved \$55 billion so far in the early months of Trump’s second term. Musk’s sweeping cuts have sharply divided Washington: critics warn of halted essential services, while supporters argue the reductions eliminate bloated and unnecessary spending.
Leavitt also cited a report from the Social Security Administration, claiming \$71 billion in fraud within “a single fiscal year.” Alexander corrected her, noting the figure covered 2015 to 2022—not one year.
“That’s still a lot of fraud, Peter,” Leavitt snapped. “Are you defending \$71 billion in fraud? Why is the media so hostile to cutting waste and abuse?”
Among the more controversial DOGE actions was the firing of several Department of Energy staff who oversee the U.S. nuclear arsenal—a move Trump quickly reversed following backlash. But many MAGA-aligned Republicans have applauded other cuts.
In a striking announcement last week, DOGE revealed it had slashed \$1.9 billion in “misplaced” funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), blaming mismanagement during the Biden administration. The funds, originally earmarked for financial services administration, were deemed unnecessary and have now been returned to the Treasury.
Meanwhile, Musk floated a bold idea: a “\$5,000 DOGE dividend” for every American taxpayer—a share of the savings generated so far. Responding to a proposal from investment firm CEO James Fishback, Musk said he would “check with the President” about moving forward.
DOGE reports the savings have largely come from eliminating fraud, canceling contracts and leases, and selling off assets. The departments most affected include the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Office of Personnel Management.
Musk has suggested that the government may need to go even further—by deleting entire agencies altogether.
