Karoline Leavitt Addresses Epstein Files, Economy, Border Security, and More at White House Briefing

White House Briefing Highlights

• 🗓️ President Trump's upcoming travel to Scotland (July 25-29) and an official state visit to the United Kingdom (September 17-19) were announced.
• 📈 The briefing highlighted positive economic news, stating that Biden's inflation crisis has been defeated, with prices for goods and services flat in June and wages growing.
• 🇺🇸 President Trump's trade policies, including powerful tariffs, were credited with rebalancing trade agreements and attracting private investment.

Fentanyl Crisis and Border Security

• 💊 The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act was signed into law, criminalizing illicit fentanyl substances.
• 🛂 Southwest border apprehensions in June were reported at 6,072, a 15% decrease from previous records, with zero illegal aliens released for the second consecutive month.
• 🚨 ICE operations were highlighted, with arrests of criminal illegal aliens across the country, including those convicted of serious offenses.

Policy and Political Matters

• 🚫 The administration opposes central bank digital currencies, with President Trump having signed an executive order banning them.
• 🏛️ Senate Republicans passed a $9 billion recisions package aimed at cutting wasteful foreign aid and ending taxpayer funding for PBS and NPR.
• ⚕️ The briefing addressed concerns about President Trump's health, noting mild swelling in his legs due to chronic venous insufficiency and minor bruising on his hand from frequent handshaking and aspirin use, stating he remains in excellent health.

Epstein Files and Media Scrutiny

• 📰 Regarding the Epstein files, the White House stated that transparency questions are for the Department of Justice and judges, not the President's control.
• 🗣️ The President believes Democrats are using the Epstein files for political purposes, contrasting it with his administration's focus on issues like fentanyl and economic growth.
• 🇺🇸 The administration is receptive to a de minimis exemption for crypto to facilitate crypto payments, aiming to make America the crypto capital.

International Relations and Trade

• 🇷🇺 If Russia does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine within 50 days, steep tariffs and secondary sanctions will be implemented.
• 🇨🇦 Trade negotiations with Canada are ongoing, with the administration noting difficulties but remaining open to further talks.
• 🇪🇺 Negotiations with the European Union continue regarding lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers, with a deadline of August 1st.
• 🇮🇱 The President reacted negatively to strikes on a Catholic church in Gaza and spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu about the incident.

Social and Cultural Issues

• 🚫 The administration has taken action to cut funding for hospitals providing chemical castration and mutilation to minors, citing concerns about protecting children's innocence.
• 📰 The briefing criticized NPR and PBS for perceived partisan bias and a left-wing agenda, questioning their use of taxpayer funds.