White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Outlines Trump Administration’s Priorities, April 22, 2025
On April 22, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the media, highlighting President Donald Trump’s international engagements, border security achievements, economic policies, and domestic reforms. The briefing, held in the White House press room, covered a range of topics reflecting the administration’s agenda.
Leavitt began by expressing condolences for the passing of Pope Francis, noting that President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and will attend the funeral in Rome, departing Friday and returning Saturday. She also confirmed Trump’s Middle East trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 to May 16, 2025, to strengthen diplomatic ties. Additionally, Trump will host the Norwegian Prime Minister on Thursday for a working visit focused on trade and regional security, marking the 13th head-of-state visit of his term.
A significant portion of the briefing focused on border security. Leavitt cited a Wall Street Journal report stating that border crossings have “ground to a halt” due to Trump’s tough policies, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection recording the lowest southwest border crossings in history in March 2025. The northern border saw a 95% drop in illegal crossings, with only 54 apprehensions in the Swanton sector compared to over 1,000 in March 2024. She highlighted a 99.99% reduction in catch-and-release practices compared to the Biden administration’s peak in December 2023, emphasizing swift deportations for illegal entrants. Leavitt also detailed recent ICE arrests of convicted criminals, underscoring Trump’s commitment to deporting dangerous individuals despite Democratic objections.
Economically, Leavitt announced a $50 billion investment by a Swiss pharmaceutical company, creating 12,000 jobs, and a $3 billion deal with Regeneron to manufacture medicines in the U.S. She addressed the resumption of involuntary student loan collections starting May 5, 2025, for defaulted federal loans, criticizing Biden’s “illegal” bailout attempts and arguing that taxpayers should not bear others’ debts. The federal student loan portfolio, valued at $1.6 trillion, has fewer than 40% of borrowers in repayment, which Leavitt called unsustainable.
Leavitt responded to questions on various issues. On trade, she noted 18 proposals from countries for deals, with a framework announced for a trade agreement with India. Regarding Pentagon leaks, she defended Secretary Hegseth, stating that fired employees were disloyal leakers, and reiterated Trump’s support for Pentagon reforms. On immigration, she estimated millions of illegal immigrants in the U.S., potentially up to 20 million, and stressed the need for more ICE agents and congressional funding to boost deportations. Leavitt also addressed environmental efforts, noting EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s work on the Tijuana River sewage crisis and Trump’s commitment to clean air and water.
The briefing included a nod to retiring ABC News photojournalist Melissa Young and introduced Tim Pool, a political commentator in the new media seat, reflecting the administration’s effort to diversify media voices. Leavitt rebuked mainstream media for misreporting stories like the “Maryland man” case, involving an MS-13 gang member, and defended the administration’s transparency and commitment to truth.
The briefing concluded with updates on a terrorist attack in South Kashmir, with Trump set to speak with Indian Prime Minister Modi to offer condolences, and ongoing Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff traveling to Russia. Leavitt emphasized Trump’s resolve to end the war and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, following his call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Sources: WH.gov , Midtown Tribune