Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, July 7, 2025
//Summary - Level-B2//
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt gave a White House briefing on July 7, 2025, highlighting key issues. She addressed the deadly Texas floods, confirming 91 deaths and defending the National Weather Service against political blame. She outlined President Trump’s achievements, including job growth, low gas prices, strong border control, and international peace deals. The administration is ending Temporary Protected Status for migrants from Honduras and Nicaragua. On trade, tariffs on countries like Japan and South Korea will begin on August 1, with more tariffs to be imposed on other nations coming. She also discussed U.S. efforts in Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine. In the Q&A, she strongly rejected violent rhetoric and defended law enforcement, while promising continued support for American workers and safety.
1. Flash Floods in Texas
Situation:
Devastating flash floods in Caddo County, Texas, have claimed 91 lives.
President Trump signed a major disaster declaration to unlock federal support.
Quote:
"Everyone here at the White House, including the President... is praying for the victims' families." (00:05)
Federal Response:
Homeland Security Secretary Christine Noem visited Texas.
The administration emphasised strong coordination with local and state authorities.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the continued threat of heavy rain.
Political Criticism:
Leavitt condemned Democrats like Sen. Chuck Schumer for blaming Trump.
Quote:
"Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie." (01:20)
National Weather Service (NWS) Defence:
Issued timely warnings on July 3–4, with over 3 hours of lead time before flooding.
Offices were fully staffed; claims of understaffing were called "false and shameful."
2. President Trump's Upcoming Schedule
Tonight: Private dinner with Israeli PM Netanyahu.
Tomorrow: Sixth cabinet meeting of Trump's second term.
Wednesday: Lunch with leaders from five African nations.
3. Legislative and Policy Achievements
"One Big Beautiful Bill":
Signed on July 4; now law.
Codifies the "Make America Great Again" agenda.
Enables 10,000 new ICE and Border Patrol hires.
Other Highlights:
700,000 jobs added since January 2025.
Illegal border crossings are at their lowest levels in history.
Gas prices are at a 4-year low.
Blue-collar wage growth is at its highest in 60 years.
Operation Midnight Hammer "obliterated" Iran's nuclear capability.
Nobel Peace Prize nomination by Pakistan for preventing nuclear war with India.
4. International Relations and Trade
Trade Developments:
The tariff deadline has been moved from July 9 to August 1.
Letters sent to Japan and South Korea about 25% tariffs.
Twelve other nations will receive letters soon.
Tariffs target countries aligning with "anti-American BRICS policies."
Quote:
"The president is looking at every country on the planet... seeing where they are ripping off the American people." (19:54)
5. Q&A Highlights
Texas Floods
Q: When will President Trump visit Texas?
A: Tentatively Friday. Will coordinate with local officials.
Q: Was the NWS adequately staffed?
A: Yes. "San Angelo had 12 meteorologists; San Antonio had 11." (13:41)
Immigration & TPS
Q: Why end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nicaraguans and Hondurans?
A: "TPS is not meant to be permanent... granted in 1999 is not temporary anymore." (08:11)
Gaza & Israel
Q: Why is the Netanyahu dinner closed to the press?
A: It's a private dinner focused on sensitive issues, including hostages and the Gaza ceasefire.
Q: Is there a plan for Gaza's future?
A: Yes. Trump envisions rebuilding Gaza after war: "The president has a big heart." (25:20)
Epstein Investigation
Q: What happened to the Epstein client list?
A: No incriminating list found. "Much material contained child pornography and was not appropriate for release." (16:06)
BRICS and Tariffs
Q: Why target BRICS-aligned nations with tariffs?
A: "BRICS seeks to undermine U.S. interests." (28:36)
ICE Arrest Expectations
Q: What are ICE's targets after gaining new resources?
A: "ICE is removing public safety threats daily... the 'big beautiful bill' supports this work." (29:19)
Ukraine Arms Pause
Q: Why pause arms to Ukraine?
A: "Standard Pentagon review... ensuring all aid aligns with U.S. interests." (33:10)
Misinfo & Violence Concerns
Q: Concerns about Democrats encouraging violence against ICE?
A: "We condemn violence of any kind... these are honourable Americans doing their job." (26:36)
Conclusion
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration's actions and policies with forceful rhetoric. The briefing emphasised Trump's achievements in domestic growth, border control, energy, diplomacy, and national security. The administration rejected accusations related to the Texas floods and reiterated a strong law-and-order stance, particularly on immigration and trade policy.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, July 7, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi4eqS65UX8&t=454s
Add info)
"The President is serious" Letter to Japan released | Netanyahu closed-door meeting, Epstein settlement, temporary suspension of aid to Ukraine, etc. [Press Secretary Caroline Levitt/White House press conference]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0jzchnuaF0&t=28s
U.S. Domestic Issues
Q1: When will President Trump visit Texas after the floods?
A: Likely on Friday, depending on recovery progress.
Q2: Was the National Weather Service understaffed during the floods?
A: No, all offices were fully staffed and warnings were timely.
Q3: Is President Trump reconsidering the plan to phase out FEMA?
A: No final change yet. He wants states to take more responsibility when possible.
Q4: What is being done to improve flood alert timing?
A: Alerts were sent before the flooding. The issue was that it happened at night while people were sleeping.
Q5: What is the "One Big Beautiful Bill"?
A: A major bill that supports jobs, border security, and more ICE/Border Patrol agents.
Q6: Why did the U.S. pause weapons to Ukraine?
A: The Pentagon is reviewing all foreign aid to ensure it aligns with U.S. interests.
Q7: What is the administration doing about the Texas ICE shooter?
A: They are investigating and condemning all violence toward federal agents.
International Policy & Trade
Q8: Why did President Trump delay tariffs from July 9 to August 1?
A: To allow more time for better deals that benefit American workers.
Q9: Will all affected countries receive tariff letters?
A: Yes. 12 letters were sent first. All others will follow soon.
Q10: Why were Japan and South Korea among the first to receive letters?
A: It was the president’s decision. No specific reason was given.
Q11: What are the new tariffs for Japan and South Korea?
A: A 25% tariff rate will take effect on August 1.
Q12: Did President Trump send letters to other countries too?
A: Yes, up to 12 countries got letters, and more are expected.
Q13: Is Japan cooperating with the U.S. on trade?
A: Talks are ongoing. The president wants tailor-made deals with every country.
Israel, Gaza & Middle East
Q14: Why is the Netanyahu dinner not open to the press?
A: It's a private dinner to discuss sensitive issues like hostages and a ceasefire.
Q15: Will there be a permanent Gaza peace plan?
A: The president wants peace and rebuilding, but no final plan yet.
Q16: Has Hamas responded to the ceasefire proposal?
A: Not yet. The U.S. hopes they will agree soon.
Q17: What is Trump’s vision for post-war Gaza?
A: He wants Gaza to be peaceful, safe, and rebuilt for its people.
Q18: Does Trump support the Bunker Buster Act to send weapons to Israel?
A: The press secretary will check with him; no answer yet.
Epstein Case
Q19: Is there an Epstein client list?
A: No. The DOJ found no such list in its full review.
Q20: What did the attorney general mean by having "the list on her desk"?
A: She meant all documents related to Epstein, not a client list.
Immigration & BRICS
Q21: Why is TPS ending for Hondurans and Nicaraguans?
A: Because TPS is meant to be temporary. These cases date back to 1999.
Q22: What is Trump’s view on the BRICS countries?
A: He believes they try to weaken the U.S. and will act to protect U.S. interests.
Q23: Are BRICS-related countries getting extra tariffs?
A: Yes. An additional 10% tariff will be applied to countries that follow anti-U.S. policies.
Latin America
Q24: Has Trump seen the apology letter from Colombia’s president?
A: It’s unclear. The press office will follow up with the president.
