NOTE: VIDEO at the end of the article.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt came out swinging at a press briefing Tuesday, directing sharp criticism at The Washington Post for what she called a “misleading and manipulative” report on the U.S. fentanyl crisis. Leavitt’s remarks came in response to a recent article titled “The mysterious drop in fentanyl seizures on the U.S.-Mexico border.” She accused the outlet of distorting facts and downplaying the Trump administration’s border security achievements.
“There is no mystery,” Leavitt declared from the podium. “The decrease in fentanyl coming into the United States is directly due to this administration’s strong border policies.” She went on to credit President Trump’s border strategy and diplomatic efforts with Mexico for the sharp decline in drug trafficking activity at the southern border.
Leavitt emphasized President Trump’s close working relationship with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, noting that bilateral cooperation has been essential in dismantling trafficking networks. “His strengthened relationship with Mexican President Sheinbaum and all of the measures he has been taking to deter illegal human and drug trafficking at our southern border is the reason for plummeting fentanyl seizures,” she stated.
The Washington Post’s characterization of the drop in fentanyl seizures as “mysterious” was met with fierce disapproval from the press secretary, who argued that the framing of the article was not only incorrect but intentionally designed to undermine the administration’s success. “This is clearly trying to intentionally manipulate the minds of Americans,” she said. “And I think the American people understand why there has been a fentanyl drop.”
Leavitt revealed that the White House had provided detailed information to the Post ahead of the article’s publication, including explanations and data supporting the administration’s claim that its policies had curbed drug trafficking. Despite that, the paper reportedly chose not to include the administration’s input. “Our office responded to this inquiry,” Leavitt said. “We provided a whole host of reasons that fentanyl seizures have dropped at the southern border, and The Washington Post refused to run them. And that’s despicable.”
Her remarks also came amid a broader update on key policy developments. Leavitt confirmed that President Trump’s newly announced tariffs—50% on foreign steel and aluminum—will officially take effect at midnight. She also defended FEMA’s preparedness in light of recent natural disasters, insisting the agency was fully equipped to handle emergency response needs.
Leavitt’s strong condemnation of The Washington Post signals the administration’s growing frustration with what it sees as partisan media coverage. The fentanyl crisis, long a political flashpoint, has become a key talking point for the Trump White House, which has consistently touted its record on border enforcement and public safety.
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, both the media and the administration appear poised for continued clashes over how the narrative surrounding issues like immigration and drug policy are shaped—and who controls the message.
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