They say it takes one to know one, but not often does that apply to a successor being criticized so hard.
Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki rips on Karoline Leavitt: “It is sad for the institution”
During an appearance on the I’ve Had It podcast, former White House press secretary and MSNBC anchor Jen Psaki delivered a sharp critique of Karoline Leavitt, Donald Trump’s current spokesperson, accusing her of dismantling the credibility of one of Washington’s most visible roles.
Leavitt is “diminishing the role of the press secretary”
“It’s sad because there aren’t that many people who have ever done that job,” Psaki said as part of the conversation with hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan. “It is diminishing the role of the press secretary, the honor of speaking on behalf of the United States of America. That’s what makes it heartbreaking for the institution.”
Psaki, who served under President Joe Biden, contrasted her experience briefing a roomful of seasoned reporters with what she described as a “Kremlin-style” environment now developing under Trump. She warned that far-right influencers and partisan commentators – including figures like Benny Johnson – are increasingly dominating White House press events.
“If legitimate outlets walk out of that room, it’s exactly what Trump and Leavitt want,” she said. “They’re filling the seats with propagandists.”
“Information, not indoctrination”
The former Biden aide also noted that even during Republican administrations such as George W. Bush’s, press secretaries like Dana Perino still faced tough questioning and respected the format’s democratic purpose.
“There used to be a shared understanding – that the press room was for information, not indoctrination,” Psaki added. “Now it’s performance art for power.”
As Trump’s team reshapes both the physical and informational control of the White House press corps, Psaki’s comments highlight growing fears among journalists, former officials, and anyone who values democracy, that the administration is eroding transparency itself.
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