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NBC’s Garrett Haake fact‑checks White House press secretary mid‑briefing
During a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt launched a broadside against U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, labeling him a “Democrat activist” and claiming he was appointed by President Obama. She also alleged his wife donated over $10,000 to Democrats.
But moments later, NBC’s Garrett Haake stood up and interjected:
“That’s just not true, Karoline. I have to correct the record here. Judge Boasberg was originally appointed by George W. Bush, and then elevated by Barack Obama.”
What Happened
- Who said what: Leavitt, only months into her tenure as press secretary, took aim at Judge Boasberg for blocking a Trump-era deportation policy.
- The mistake: She inaccurately described his appointment and political leaning.
- The correction: Haake, NBC’s White House correspondent, publicly corrected her on live television—a rare and noteworthy moment.
- Leavitt’s reaction: The tone shifted visibly in the room as Leavitt paused, then pressed on defending the administration’s policy stance.
Context & Impact
- Karoline Leavitt, at just 27, is the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary. Her aggressive style has faced repeated scrutiny and fact-checks.
- Judge James Boasberg, who temporarily blocked deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, was indeed first appointed by President George W. Bush and later elevated by Barack Obama in 2011.
- Garrett Haake joined NBC News in 2025 as a senior White House correspondent. He’s known for his readiness to challenge press claims in real time.
Why It Matters
- Fact-checking in real time: This exchange highlights the increasing role journalists play in verifying claims live, even during official press briefings.
- Credibility stakes: For a relatively inexperienced press secretary, such public corrections can dent credibility—and underscore the importance of accuracy.
- Political tension: The incident reflects ongoing tension between the current administration and the judiciary over immigration policy, as well as the administration’s aggressive media posture.
Final Take
A simple misstatement turned into a high-visibility moment: Leavitt’s podium confidence momentarily cracked when corrected by Haake. It serves as a reminder that in today’s high-stakes media environment, accuracy can’t be postponed—even under pressure.
Would you like a breakdown of Leavitt’s other fact-check challenges, more on Judge Boasberg’s rulings, or a full transcript of the exchange?
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