LIVE: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt holds press briefing

Transcript Summary: Press Briefing on ICE Support, Fraud Investigation, and National Security

Key Concepts:

• ICE Support: Unwavering support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amidst increased attacks and political opposition.
• Fraud Investigation: A major interagency task force focused on uncovering and prosecuting widespread fraud, particularly in Minnesota related to social welfare programs.
• Associate Attorney General Position: Creation of a new, nationally-scoped position to lead the fraud investigation, bypassing potential constitutional issues with a special counsel.
• Political Attacks & Media Bias: Accusations of politically motivated attacks on ICE and biased media coverage of recent incidents.
• National Security: Concerns regarding Venezuela, Iran, and missile defense, emphasizing a proactive US foreign policy.

I. Initial Statements & Defense of ICE

The briefing began with strong statements affirming the Trump administration’s full support for ICE and its commitment to law and order. Officials highlighted a significant increase in attacks against ICE agents: a 1,200% rise in assaults, 3,200% increase in vehicle rammings, and an 8,000% increase in death threats. This surge is attributed to a “sinister left-wing movement” actively targeting federal law enforcement. The administration emphasized that ICE is faithfully enforcing federal law, removing “criminal illegal aliens” as mandated by the electorate (nearly 80 million voters). Democrats are accused of impeding enforcement operations and calling for defunding or abolishing ICE, actions the administration vows to prevent. The administration intends to “redouble efforts” to remove “the worst of the worst” criminal aliens.

II. Minnesota Fraud Investigation & New AAG Position

A significant portion of the briefing focused on a large-scale fraud investigation in Minnesota, alleging billions of dollars in taxpayer money have been stolen through fraudulent claims related to social welfare programs. The administration has activated thousands of federal agents and doubled the number of US attorneys in Minneapolis to address this. A key announcement was the creation of a new Assistant Attorney General (AAG) position with nationwide jurisdiction over fraud. This position, designed to function similarly to a special counsel but with constitutional legitimacy, will focus initially on Minnesota but expand to states like Ohio and California. Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, is credited with rapidly establishing the framework for this position, achieving in a week what typically takes months. The AAG will oversee a major interagency task force utilizing resources from the Department of Agriculture (SNAP fraud) and having issued over 1,500 subpoenas and nearly 100 indictments, primarily targeting Somali immigrants.

III. Addressing Concerns about Childcare & Welfare Fraud

The Vice President specifically addressed concerns about childcare and preschool programs, arguing that these resources should prioritize American citizens, not be exploited by fraudulent claims from immigrants. He framed the fraud as depriving American families of needed assistance. The investigation is targeting fraudulent daycare centers with no actual children enrolled, highlighting the absurdity of the scheme.

IV. Incident in Minneapolis & Media Criticism

The briefing addressed the recent shooting involving an ICE officer in Minneapolis. Officials strongly defended the officer’s actions, stating he acted in self-defense after being targeted by a vehicle. They criticized the media’s portrayal of the incident, accusing outlets of falsely labeling the officer’s actions as murder and omitting crucial context, such as the officer’s prior injury from a vehicle ramming. The Vice President accused the media of being “agents of propaganda” for a radical fringe and inciting violence against law enforcement. He emphasized the woman involved was attempting to obstruct a legitimate law enforcement operation.

V. Response to Criticism & Calls for De-escalation

Responding to questions, officials dismissed accusations of inciting violence and defended the administration’s rhetoric. They argued that the focus should be on condemning those actively attacking law enforcement. The Vice President stated the best way to “tone down the temperature” is to stop inciting violence against ICE agents and to address policy disagreements through the ballot box, not through attacks on law enforcement. He characterized the attacks as “terrorism” and vowed to continue enforcing the law.

VI. Venezuela, Iran & National Security

The briefing briefly touched on foreign policy issues. Regarding Venezuela, the administration expressed support for a stable government that aligns with US interests and highlighted the importance of disrupting illicit revenue streams for cartels. Concerning Iran, the administration reiterated support for peaceful protestors and called on the Iranian regime to negotiate with the US regarding its nuclear program. The administration also emphasized the importance of securing Greenland for missile defense purposes, urging European leaders to take the threat of hostile adversaries seriously.

VII. Concluding Remarks & Media Challenge

The briefing concluded with a direct challenge to the media, urging them to report truthfully and avoid perpetuating false narratives. The Vice President reiterated the administration’s unwavering support for law enforcement and its commitment to enforcing the law. He emphasized the need to hold accountable those who incite violence against ICE agents and other law enforcement officials.

Notable Quotes:

• “President Trump and his entire administration stand fully behind the heroic men and women of ICE and will always uphold law and order in the United States of America.” – Carolyn
• “Those programs should go to American citizens, not be defraed by Somali immigrants and others…” – Vice President Vance
• “We’re going to get tougher on the people who are defrauding the United States by inciting violence against our law enforcement officers.” – Vice President Vance
• “The idea that this was not justified is absurd and I think everybody knows it in their heart.” – Vice President Vance
• “Be a little bit more careful. We're going to talk about toning down the temperature…One of the ways we tone down the temperature is to have a media that tells the truth.” – Vice President Vance

Technical Terms:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): A federal program providing food assistance to low-income individuals and families.
• Doxing: The act of publicly revealing someone's personal information (address, phone number, etc.) online, often with malicious intent.
• War Powers Resolution: A US law limiting the President’s power to deploy troops without Congressional approval.
• Interagency Task Force: A group comprised of representatives from multiple government agencies working together on a specific issue.

Data & Statistics:

• 1,200% increase in assaults on ICE agents.
• 3,200% increase in vehicle rammings against ICE agents.
• 8,000% increase in death threats against ICE agents.
• Over 1,500 subpoenas issued in the Minnesota fraud investigation.
• Nearly 100 indictments related to the Minnesota fraud investigation.
• Violent crime dropped by 20% over the last year.

Logical Connections:

The briefing established a clear narrative linking increased attacks on ICE agents to a broader “left-wing movement” and biased media coverage. The fraud investigation in Minnesota was presented as a direct consequence of lax enforcement and political interference. The creation of the AAG position was positioned as a necessary step to combat the fraud effectively and ensure accountability. The discussion of national security issues reinforced the administration’s commitment to protecting American interests and enforcing its laws both domestically and internationally.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The briefing served as a forceful defense of ICE, a condemnation of political attacks and media bias, and an announcement of aggressive action to combat fraud and protect national security. The administration presented a unified front, emphasizing its commitment to law and order, its unwavering support for law enforcement, and its determination to hold those accountable who threaten the safety and security of the American people. The creation of the AAG position signals a long-term commitment to investigating and prosecuting fraud on a national scale.