2025-07-07 Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, July 7, 2025

🧠 Main Points Covered

  • Devastating flash floods in Texas: 91 people died; the President issued a major disaster declaration for Kerr County; response efforts underway. Rev

  • Claims of misinformation: Some Democratic leaders and media blamed President Trump for the flooding. The White House pushed back, pointing to National Weather Service forecasts and warnings that were issued with lead time. Rev

  • Scheduling announcements: President will host Benjamin Netanyahu for dinner; there will be a Cabinet meeting; leaders from five African nations will join for lunch in the State Dining Room. Rev

  • “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed into law: A key legislative win for the “Make America Great Again” agenda. Rev

  • Foreign policy / security issues raised in Q&A: e.g. armed shooter in McAllen, Texas; questions about Gaza / humanitarian transit proposals; questions about lifting terrorist designation for a group in Syria. Rev

🗣️ Press Q&A Highlights

  • On the Texas flood disaster
    Question: Reporter asked about timing of Trump’s travel to Texas.
    Answer: The White House is arranging travel, likely for Friday, but wants to coordinate with state and local officials to avoid disrupting recovery efforts. Rev

  • On McAllen, Texas shooting
    Question: After a shooter opened fire on Border Patrol agents, what is the White House’s reaction, especially in light of recent rhetoric about ICE?
    Answer: Leavitt emphasized law enforcement’s role, respect for agents, said the incident is under investigation by the appropriate federal agencies. Rev

  • On Gaza/Humanitarian Transit Proposal
    Question: Whether the White House has received a proposal from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to build transit areas.
    Answer: Leavitt said she’s unaware of any such proposal but will ask the National Security Council. Rev

  • On lifting Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation
    Question: Reports that the White House may remove the FTO designation from a group (HDS) in Syria.
    Answer: No confirmation; Leavitt did not confirm that change is happening. Rev

  • On White House East Wing modernization
    Question: How much of the East Wing will be torn down / modernized.
    Answer: East Wing will be modernized; offices (First Lady’s, Military Office, etc.) will be temporarily relocated during construction. Rev

  • On Tariff timing and auto imports, etc.
    Question: When tariffs / reciprocals come into effect, including for autos (Japan, Korea, EU).
    Answer: Yes, reciprocals will begin “tomorrow.” Details include autos; broader negotiation deals are discussed. Rev

✅ Key Takeaways with Supporting Quotes

  • Federal response to natural disasters & emphasis on accountability

    “President Trump swiftly signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County Texas to ensure our heroic first responders have every resource they need.” Rev
    “Despite unprecedented rainfall … forecasts and warnings … giving preliminary lead times…” Rev

  • Legislative wins are central to messaging

    “After the historic signing … President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is now the law of the land.” Rev

  • Border, security, and foreign policy remain priority fronts

    “The White House is aware of the shooting … and we are working with the appropriate federal agencies to get to the bottom of what happened.” Rev
    “Special Envoy Witkoff is actively talking with our counterparts in Israel … But the President put out a very strong statement … the quickest way to end this entire conflict … is for Hamas to surrender, to release all of the hostages and to end this conflict.” Rev

  • Executive actions, trade and tariffs in motion

    “Tariffs reciprocals will take effect tomorrow …” Rev
    “South Korea will pay a 15% tariff rate, including 15% on autos, while providing historic market access to American goods …” Rev

  • Infrastructure / facilities improvements at the White House

    “President Trump and other donors have generously committed to donating the funds necessary to build this approximately $200 million structure …” about the new State Ballroom. Rev
    “The East Wing is going to be modernized … those offices will be temporarily relocated …” Rev

www.whitehouse.gov/videos/press-secretary-karoline-leavitt-briefs-members-of-the-media-july-7-2025/ 2025-07-07


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