In a recent exchange, Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, took aim at S.V. Dáte, a journalist from the Huffington Post. This confrontation arose after Dáte published an article that included a critical view of Leavitt’s response to a question concerning President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming meeting.
Karoline Leavitt Criticizes HuffPost Reporter
Leavitt expressed her discontent over Dáte’s article via social media, labeling him a “left-wing hack.” She criticized his focus on political figures and shared her contention that he consistently undermines President Trump.
Details of the Controversial Exchange
The conversation began with Dáte questioning the significance of the meeting location, Budapest. He referenced a historical agreement from 1994, in which Russia committed to not invading Ukraine in exchange for its nuclear disarmament. Dáte’s inquiry included:
- “Is the president aware of the significance of Budapest?”
- “Does he not see why Ukraine might object to that site?”
Leavitt’s response was notably flippant, retorting, “Your mom did.” Following this, Dáte asked if the situation seemed amusing to her. She promptly dismissed his questioning style, responding with, “Stop texting me your disingenuous, biased, and bulls— questions.”
Leavitt’s Claims Against Dáte
Leavitt took to social media, sharing screenshots of their exchange to support her claims against Dáte. She argued that his social media posts reflect a strong bias against the Trump administration, describing his feed as an “anti-Trump personal diary.”
Dáte has a history of expressing criticism towards the Republican Party and the Trump administration. His biography mentions a book that discusses perceived failures during the Trump presidency, particularly regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
Reactions and Context
The backlash continued when Dáte humorously stated that HuffPost was now “devastated” by Leavitt’s remarks, suggesting the outlet might hesitate to ask further questions due to her response. This could indicate a growing tension between political figures and the media.
A spokesperson for the Huffington Post emphasized their commitment to factual journalism and stated their eagerness for a professional response from Leavitt regarding Dáte’s inquiries.
Upcoming Political Meeting in Budapest
The meeting between Trump and Putin in Budapest is expected to be significant, particularly in the context of historical agreements on nuclear disarmament. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will host the summit.
This situation highlights the intense dynamics between political representatives and journalists, particularly in an era where social media amplifies conflicts and opinions.
