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On January 31, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt held her second official press briefing, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to full transparency and free press access. At just 29 years old, Leavitt is the youngest press secretary in U.S. history, a role she steps into with a firm stance on restoring First Amendment protections and reversing restrictive media policies imposed under the previous administration.
This briefing covered a wide range of critical issues, from aviation safety reforms following a tragic air collision at Reagan National Airport to border security, economic policies, and education reforms. President Trump’s actions, including new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, the signing of the Laken Riley Act, and expanding detention facilities for criminal illegal aliens at Guantanamo Bay, dominated much of the discussion.
President Trump has pledged a Free Press, 1st Amendment access, and transparency, see for yourself from a very sharp press secretary!
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Jan. 31, 2025
1. Air Collision at Reagan National Airport (0:08 – 1:49)
- President Trump addressed the nation after a tragic air collision at Reagan National Airport that killed 67 people.
- A full review of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was ordered to reassess hiring standards and safety protocols over the last four years.
- A reversal of DEI-based hiring in aviation was announced, restoring merit-based selection.
2. Laken Riley Act Signed Into Law (2:55 – 3:46)
- President Trump’s first signed legislation as the 47th President mandates the detention of illegal aliens accused of violent crimes.
- The law honors Laken Riley, a young woman murdered by an illegal immigrant.
- This measure ensures criminals are detained rather than released into U.S. communities.
3. Criminal Illegal Immigration Enforcement & Guantanamo Detentions (3:53 – 5:07)
- ICE arrested multiple criminal illegal aliens in major U.S. cities for crimes including child exploitation, attempted murder, and assault.
- The detention center at Guantanamo Bay is being expanded to house high-priority criminal illegal aliens.
- President Trump reaffirmed: “If you are a criminal illegal alien, you will be arrested and deported.”
4. Education Reform & National Report Card Results (5:15 – 6:19)
- National Report Card revealed record-low reading comprehension scores among students.
- President Trump signed executive orders to:
- Ban radical gender ideology & CRT from federally funded schools.
- Expand school choice and parental rights in education.
- Refocus American education on patriotism and workforce readiness.
5. Economic Measures – Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China (14:14 – 15:22)
- New tariffs effective February 1, 2025:
- 25% on Canada & Mexico
- 10% on China
- Purpose: To combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration.
- Tax cuts on tips, Social Security benefits, and overtime pay remain a top legislative priority.
6. Border Security & Sanctuary City Crackdown (29:56 – 32:11)
- Sanctuary cities like Chicago, New York, and Maryland are blocking ICE detainer enforcement.
- The administration is pursuing legal action against officials obstructing immigration enforcement.
- Public backlash is growing in sanctuary cities as crime increases.
7. International Relations & Foreign Policy (12:57 – 13:52 & 23:05 – 23:41)
- Venezuela: Rick Grenell was sent to negotiate deportation flights and secure the release of U.S. detainees.
- Panama Canal: Concerns over Chinese Communist Party influence controlling key trade routes.
- Syria: Trump is reviewing U.S. troop deployments.
8. Press Freedom & Transparency (15:28 – 16:47)
- Restored credentials to 440 journalists previously revoked under Biden.
- Commitment to full press access—reversing restrictive policies of the last administration.
- Press events labeled “open press” will remain truly open.
9. COVID-19 Origins & Accountability (21:47 – 22:40)
- CIA confirms COVID-19 was a Wuhan lab leak.
- The Biden administration withheld evidence that could have informed the public earlier.
- President Trump considers further actions against China in response.
10. Guantanamo Bay & Illegal Immigrant Detention (26:54 – 27:46)
- Guantanamo Bay detention expansion is underway.
- Department of Defense directed to increase detention capacity.
- ICE continues to round up and deport criminal illegal aliens at record speed.
This second White House press briefing reinforced the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and restoring First Amendment access as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized open communication while detailing key actions on border security, aviation safety, economic policy, and education reform. Major shifts are already underway, including the Laken Riley Act, expanded detention for criminal illegal immigrants, and tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.
With a renewed focus on merit-based hiring and parental rights in education, the administration is moving swiftly to fulfill its campaign promises while upholding constitutional principles. As press access expands and restrictive policies from the previous administration are reversed, these briefings mark a return to an open White House, ensuring direct and unfiltered communication with the American people.
This piece was prepared with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI language model designed to support clear and thoughtful communication.
