Leavitt denies objection to casualty coverage, criticizes CNN
White House press secretary
“The press does only want to make the President look bad.”
Source and context
Original video
About this source
Full White House recording of Collins's questions and Leavitt's responses about casualty coverage; CNN transcript provides searchable wording. Exact White House video timestamp remains a draft check.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Original text
About this source
CNN reproduces Hegseth excerpt and Collins–Leavitt exchange and Collins's on-air response. Rush transcript may be updated; compare to full White House recording before publication.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Collins asked whether Hegseth meant the press should not prominently cover killed U.S. service members.
After the quotation
Leavitt said the administration expected coverage of the dignified transfer while criticizing CNN's broader framing.
How this statement is classified
Responding to: CNN and Kaitlan Collins sought to make President Trump look bad in their coverage, even though the administration did not oppose reporting the troop deaths.
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
Combines a denial that the administration objects to covering fatalities with an endorsement of Hegseth's accusation about press motive.
- Recorded on
- Published here
- People and groups discussed
- Kaitlan Collins, CNN
Did White House officials fairly characterize coverage of U.S. troop deaths in the Iran war?
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
More from this case
Read the full case“I don't think covering troop deaths is trying to make the President look bad.”Read statement
“I get it, the press only wants to make the President look bad”Read statement