2025-08-12 Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Aug. 12, 2025

 

 

🧠 Main Points Covered

  • Violent Crime & D.C. Law Enforcement Surge
    The administration declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., federalized the D.C. Police Department, mobilized the D.C. National Guard, and surged about 850 officers and agents across the city. Rev
    Arrests made included homicide, firearms offenses, narcotics, lewd acts, DUI, reckless driving, bench warrants, etc. Rev

  • Border Security & Illegal Immigration
    Leavitt said that illegal crossings are at “all-time lows,” citing new figures. Rev
    Also, for the third month in a row, zero illegal aliens have been released into the country under the administration. Rev
    Interior ICE arrests have continued, with many criminal illegal aliens with prior convictions being removed. Rev

  • Law Enforcement Statistics & Results
    Seizure of six illegal handguns in D.C., arrests based on serious offenses. Rev
    The administration emphasizes that the recent law enforcement measures are a response to violent crime, emphasizing public safety. Rev

  • Criticism of Media & Political Opposition
    Leavitt criticized Democrats (including Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton) and parts of the media who oppose the D.C. policing surge, accusing them of ignoring crime until action was taken. Rev

🗣️ Press Q&A Highlights

  • Response to Criticism of the D.C. Emergency Declaration
    When asked about Nancy Pelosi's or Hillary Clinton’s criticisms of deploying the National Guard to D.C., Leavitt responded that residents are concerned about crime, that the President’s actions are justified, and suggested that the opposition is politically motivated. Rev

  • On Foreign Policy Outreach / Summit Invitations
    A question was asked about why Ukrainian President Zelensky wasn’t invited to an upcoming summit. Leavitt said that the meeting was arranged via Russia’s request (through Steve Witkoff, special envoy) and the U.S. is open to a trilateral meeting in the future. Rev

  • On Tariff & Trade Announcement Timing / Scope
    Multiple questions about upcoming tariffs: which countries might be subject, whether sector‐based vs. country‐based, and when the announcement will be. Leavitt repeatedly deferred specifics to a pending announcement by the President, stating that unfair treatment of the U.S. will lead to reciprocal tariffs. Rev

  • On the Definition / Criteria for “Foreign Terrorist Aliens” / Gang Classifications
    A reporter asked about internal documents suggesting that certain symbols (tattoos, streetwear) could be among criteria for classification as foreign terrorists (specifically Tren de Aragua). Leavitt disputed some of the media’s framing, defended law enforcement’s criteria, and emphasized serious convictions for many of those being removed. Rev

  • On the Possibility of a Third Term
    A reporter asked if President Trump is planning or considering running for a third term. Leavitt said it’s "not something we're thinking about," stating that he has four years and much work ahead. Rev

✅ Key Takeaways with Supporting Quotes

  • Aggressive Public Safety Action

    “Over the course of the next month, the Trump administration will relentlessly pursue … every violent criminal in the district who breaks the law …” Rev
    “They made a total of 23 arrests … weapons charges, homicide … reckless driving … bench warrants …” Rev

  • Border Policy Strongly Enforced

    “For the third straight month, there were zero illegal aliens released into the country.” Rev
    “Already the Trump administration has arrested more than 300,000 illegal alien criminals …” Rev

  • Emphasis on Law and Order and Criticism of Opposition

    “I think it's despicable that Democrats cannot agree that we need more law and order in a city that has been ravaged by violence, crime, murders …” Rev

  • Tariffs & Trade as Tools of Reciprocity

    “Any country that has treated the American people unfairly should expect to receive a tariff in return …” Rev
    “It’s going to be very exciting … we’ll see you guys in the Rose Garden … signing … an executive order …” Rev

  • Distance from Third Term Conversation

    “Look, you guys continue to ask … about a third term … The president … says it’s not really something we’re thinking about. He has four years.” Rev

https://www.whitehouse.gov/videos/press-secretary-karoline-leavitt-briefs-members-of-the-media-aug-12-2025/ 

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