White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a briefing with reporters — 2/18/2026

Key Concepts

• Economic Performance: Focus on job growth (private sector vs. federal), inflation reduction, housing affordability, and energy prices.
• President Trump’s Policies: Emphasis on deregulation, tariffs, energy dominance, and deportation efforts.
• International Relations: Updates on Gaza reconstruction (Board of Peace), Iran negotiations, and US-China-Taiwan relations.
• Domestic Policy: Discussion of immigration enforcement, state-federal cooperation, and the upcoming State of the Union address.
• Political Messaging: Framing of economic successes, criticisms of the Biden administration and Democratic policies, and responses to media inquiries.

Scheduling and Events

President Trump has a busy week planned, including:

• Today: Hosting a Black History Month reception in the East Room.
• Tomorrow: Hosting a Board of Peace meeting announcing over $5 billion pledged for Gaza reconstruction and personnel commitments for the International Stabilization Force, followed by a visit to Georgia to discuss affordability for working people.
• Friday: Hosting a working breakfast with governors in the East Room.
• Saturday: Hosting the annual Governor’s Dinner with the First Lady.

Economic Update

The administration highlighted positive economic indicators, asserting 2026 will be a “record successful year.” Key data points include:

• January Jobs Report: 172,000 new private sector jobs added, exceeding economist predictions by 2.5x.
• Labor Force Participation: Increased participation rate and decreased unemployment rate; prime-age participation at its highest since 2001.
• Private Sector Job Growth: 615,000 private sector jobs added during President Trump’s second term, representing 100% of job creation.
• Federal Employment: Reduced to its lowest level since 1966, saving taxpayers $29 billion annually.
• Job Creation Demographics: All net job growth under President Trump has gone to native-born Americans.
• Inflation: Year-over-year inflation fell to 2.4% in January, the lowest since May. Core inflation dropped to its lowest level in nearly five years.
• Real Earnings: Real average hourly earnings rose in January, with a cumulative increase of nearly $1,400 since President Trump took office, offsetting roughly half of the $2,900 lost under the previous administration.
• Housing Affordability: Annual mortgage costs have fallen by $4,000 under President Trump, reversing a $15,000 increase under the previous administration. Mortgage affordability is at a 4-year high. Median rent has fallen to a 4-year low, declining for six consecutive months.
• Consumer Prices: Prices for eggs, dairy, cheese, fresh fruit, apples, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and butter have decreased since President Trump took office.
• Energy Prices: Fuel prices are down almost 10% over the past year, with the national average for regular gas below $3 and approaching $2.70 in some states.
• Prescription Drug Prices: Decreased over the past year, with further relief expected through “most favored nation” drug pricing deals.

International Affairs

• Gaza Reconstruction: The Board of Peace meeting will announce over $5 billion in pledges for Gaza reconstruction and commitments of personnel for security.
• Iran: The administration is pursuing a diplomatic solution but remains prepared to take action if necessary. Operation Midnight Hammer previously obliterated Iran’s nuclear facilities. Discussions are ongoing with various parties, including Israel.
• US-China-Taiwan: A potential US arms sale to Taiwan is reportedly in limbo, raising concerns about disrupting the current trade truce with China.

Domestic Policy & Immigration

• Immigration Enforcement: The administration is prioritizing deportation of illegal aliens and cooperating with local law enforcement. A bill in Maryland restricting cooperation with ICE is criticized.
• Energy Policy: The administration is promoting “drill, baby, drill” and supporting fossil fuels, while calling on blue states to allow pipeline construction to lower energy costs. Red states currently have lower electricity prices than blue states.
• Housing: Focus on reducing regulations and increasing supply to improve housing affordability, including preventing institutional investors from buying single-family homes.
• DHS Shutdown: The shutdown is blamed on Democrats, with the administration accusing them of prioritizing politics over the needs of Americans.

Notable Quotes

• “100% of all job creation under President Trump continues to be in the private sector. This is truly remarkable.” – Press Briefing.
• “President Trump’s policies are and will continue to allow Americans incomes to go further for bills, retirement, and achieving the American dream.” – Press Briefing.
• “The president wants peace for all people of all faiths all around the world and uh that's part of his his push uh to create peace in the Middle East which he has done successfully.” – Press Briefing.
• “This is a president of peace.” – Press Briefing.
• “We’re talking about reconstructing Gaza… this is a historic accomplishment for this president.” – Press Briefing.

Technical Terms & Concepts

• CPI (Consumer Price Index): A measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a basket of consumer goods and services.
• Core Inflation: Inflation excluding volatile food and energy prices, considered a better measure of underlying inflationary trends.
• Stafford Act: A federal law that provides a process for federal disaster assistance.
• PTOIC (Potomac Interceptor): A major sewage pipeline experiencing a significant spill.
• "Most Favored Nation" Drug Pricing: A policy aimed at lowering drug prices by tying them to the lowest prices paid in other developed countries.
• Board of Peace: An international initiative led by President Trump to oversee Gaza reconstruction and stabilization.

Logical Connections

The briefing follows a logical flow, starting with scheduling announcements, then moving to economic updates, international affairs, and finally domestic policy. The economic data is presented as evidence of the success of President Trump’s policies. Responses to questions often tie back to the administration’s overarching themes of economic prosperity, national security, and criticism of the previous administration and political opponents.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The briefing paints a picture of a successful administration focused on economic growth, national security, and fulfilling campaign promises. The emphasis is on positive economic indicators, strong leadership, and a clear contrast with the policies of the previous administration. The administration is actively engaged in international affairs, seeking both diplomatic solutions and maintaining a strong military posture. The overall message is one of optimism and a promise of continued success under President Trump’s leadership.