2025-07-17 Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, July 17, 2025

 

Here’s a summary of the July 17, 2025 White House press briefing with Karoline Leavitt, based on the Rev.com transcript. Rev

🧠 Main Points Covered

  • President Trump’s upcoming travel and state-visit plans: A trip to Scotland (Turnberry and Aberdeen) from July 25-29 to refine a U.S.–UK trade deal with Prime Minister Starmer. Also, the First Lady and President will have a state visit to the UK September 17-19. Rev

  • Positive recent economic indicators: Core inflation came in lower than expected in June; prices paid by businesses for goods and services were flat, beating forecasts. Wages are growing; prices for some everyday goods and services (new & used vehicles, airfare, fuel etc.) are falling compared to prior year. Rev

  • Health update for the President: He experienced some swelling in lower legs; underwent diagnostic vascular testing including Doppler ultrasounds confirming a benign condition called "chronic venous insufficiency." No signs of deep vein thrombosis or other serious vascular disease. Rev

  • Crypto legislation: Discussion of the “Genius Act” and Central Bank Digital Currency issues; the President opposes "essential bank digital currency" and supports codifying relevant executive orders into law. Rev

  • Epstein files and transparency: Leavitt defended the administration’s actions in reviewing, redacting, and releasing a memo related to Jeffery Epstein’s files. She pushed back on criticism that Democrats acted first, arguing the current administration took steps for transparency. Rev

  • Immigration / amnesty debate: Questioning around a bill introduced by Rep. Salazar (the “Dignity Act”) which includes path to legal status for some illegal immigrants. The White House says it has not reviewed it and that President has been clear he does not support amnesty. Rev

  • NPR & PBS criticism: Leavitt criticized NPR, PBS and public media for what she described as partisan coverage. Rev

  • Auto-pen & former President’s pardons documents: The White House Counsel has launched an investigation into usage of the auto-pen (automatic signature device) during the prior administration; documents requested from the National Archives. Rev

🗣️ Press Q&A Highlights

  • Epstein files / “hoax” claim: A reporter asked what part of the “Epstein hoax” the President meant. Leavitt responded that the “hoax” claims refer to how Democrats are emphasizing transparency now while having reportedly done little when they had power. Rev

  • Dignity Act / immigration legislation: Asked whether the President would sign or veto the bill, Leavitt said the White House hasn’t fully reviewed it; reiterated opposition to amnesty. Rev

  • Auto-pen / former President pardons: Questions about whether Biden actually reviewed all pardons. Leavitt said the investigation is ongoing and that the current administration is seeking documents to clarify who was responsible. Rev

  • Visa delays for Christian groups to travel to Israel: Question whether the White House is aware; Leavitt said she’ll check with State/NSC and emphasized efforts to streamline visa processes. Rev

✅ Key Takeaways with Supporting Quotes

  • Economic momentum & messaging of “defeated inflation”

    “There has been a wave of positive economic news over the past week … Prices paid to American businesses for goods and services were flat in June … core inflation … came in lower than expected again in the month of June.” Rev

  • Transparency about the President’s health

    “In recent weeks, President Trump noted mild swelling in his lower legs … Doppler ultrasounds … revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition … All results were within normal limits.” Rev

  • Focus on legislation: crypto, bank digital currency, trade

    “The Genius Act … will be sent to the president's desk and we are planning a signing ceremony tomorrow afternoon.” Rev
    “The president opposes essential bank digital currency … supports Congress’s efforts to codify that executive order into law.” Rev

  • Defensive posture on transparency / criticisms of media & opposition

    “The president is referring to the fact that Democrats have now seized on this as if they ever wanted transparency … It was this president who directed the Department of Justice … to do an exhaustive review of all files related to Jeffrey Epstein … which they did.” Rev

  • No support for amnesty in immigration reform

    “The president has made it very clear he will not support amnesty for illegal aliens in any way.” Rev

 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/videos/press-secretary-karoline-leavitt-briefs-members-of-the-media-july-17-2025/ 

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