2025-07-31 Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, July 31, 2025

 

Here’s a summary of the July 31, 2025 White House Press Briefing with Karoline Leavitt, using the Rev.com transcript. Rev

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🧠 Main Points Covered

• The White House opened with a tribute to NYPD Officer Islam, who died in line of duty. Rev

• President Trump’s recent visit to Scotland touted as a diplomatic and trade success: brokered a large trade deal and prevented a conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Rev

• Update on Israel/Gaza humanitarian aid: Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee are being deployed to evaluate food distribution and meet with locals. Rev

• Historic trade agreement with the European Union: includes American energy purchases by EU, foreign investments into U.S., and broader access for U.S. goods in EU markets. Rev

• Economic performance: Q2 GDP growth at 3.0% annual rate, government spending declining for second quarter, strong fixed investment growth. Rev

• Focus on prescription drug pricing: the “most favored nation” doctrine being enforced—President Trump signed letters to 17 major drug companies demanding actions to lower drug prices. Rev

• Announcement of new White House State Ballroom: a 90,000 sq ft event space, seating ~650, to replace/augment capacity of East Room, with East Wing modernization. Rev

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🗣️ Press Q&A Highlights

• On Russiagate / Declassification Annex & Justice
  Question: What should justice for “Russiagate” look like after the declassified annex of the Durham Report?
  Answer: Leavitt said the President trusts his DOJ to hold accountable those who politicized intelligence. She reiterated her claim that Hillary Clinton and others approved the “Russia hoax.” Rev

• On Muslim Brotherhood Designation
  Question: Will the administration designate the Muslim Brotherhood a Foreign Terrorist Organization?
  Answer: Leavitt said she “would never want to get ahead” of the NSC, but it “sounds like something this administration would support.” Rev

• On East Wing / State Ballroom Construction
  Question: How much of the East Wing will be torn down, or is it full modernization, and how will the offices be relocated during construction?
  Answer: The East Wing will be modernized; offices including those of the First Lady and related offices will be temporarily relocated during construction. Rev

• On Tariff Timing & Trade Deals
  Question: Do new auto tariffs for countries like Japan, South Korea, the EU take effect tomorrow?
  Answer: Yes; reciprocals start August 1. Some bespoke deals are already cut; trade partners being contacted with letters. Rev

• On Trade with South Korea
  Question: What is the deal with South Korea?
  Answer: South Korea will pay 15% tariff rate, including on autos; will purchase large amounts of U.S. energy; will invest in U.S. industry; majority of profits directed to U.S. government. Rev

• On Social Security / Newborn Accounts
  Question: Concerns about “Trump Accounts for Newborns” being a backdoor to privatizing Social Security.
  Answer: Leavitt said these accounts are meant to supplement, not replace, Social Security. Rev

• On Immigration / Deportations & Clergy
  Question: Are there concerns ICE is deporting innocent people like clergy?
  Answer: The priority is violent criminals; ICE is removing thousands weekly in sanctuary cities. Clergy incidents would be exceptions; law must be enforced. Rev

• On Gaza / Hostages & Palestinian State
  Question: Will the U.S. recognize a Palestinian state? What is the position given recent statements by foreign leaders? What is being done about hostages in Gaza?
  Answer: The President strongly opposes recognition now, saying it rewards Hamas. Hostage release remains a priority; Special Envoy is actively working. Rev

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✅ Key Takeaways with Supporting Quotes

• U.S. diplomatic and trade posture is being amplified through aggressive deal-making

  “President Trump’s working visit to Scotland was a huge success. In less than 48 hours, President Trump brokered the biggest, most impactful trade deal in history…” Rev
  “Of our 18 major trading partners, two-thirds of those trading partners have cut these tailor-made deals.” Rev

• Focus on bringing down prices for everyday Americans

  “Brand-name drugs in the United States are up to three times higher on average than anywhere else … This unacceptable burden on hardworking American families ends with my administration.” Rev
  “All of these letters will be provided to you … This is to the CEO of Eli Lilly … calling on Eli Lilly and company … to provide direct purchasing at most favored nation pricing.” Rev

• Strategic infrastructure and investment in government facilities

  “We are proud to announce that the construction of the new White House Ballroom will begin … approximately 90,000 total square feet … seated capacity of 650 people … President Trump … committed … about $200 million structure.” Rev

• Assertive stance on foreign policy conflicts and humanitarian crises

  “Special Envoy Witkoff … will be traveling into Gaza to inspect the current distribution sites … and secure a plan to deliver more food …” Rev
  “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

• Trade enforcement and tariff policy as leverage

  “Tariff reciprocals will be going into effect … some of the countries you just mentioned … have bespoke trade deals … Of our 18 … two-thirds … have a deal … the rest … will be hearing from this administration by the midnight deadline.” Rev

• Maintaining law and order via immigration enforcement

  “ICE … has been doing that at the rate of thousands of illegal, violent criminals every single week … especially in Democrat-run sanctuary cities … that's not happening any more because of this President …” Rev

 

 

www.whitehouse.gov/videos/press-secretary-karoline-leavitt-briefs-members-of-the-media-july-31-2025/