White House mocks reporter while confirming Trump–Putin meeting in Budapest
10/18/2025 10:22:00 AM
US President Donald Trump announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
When asked who suggested holding the meeting in Budapest, White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt and Communications Director Steven Cheung sarcastically replied, “Your mother did.”
Pressed on whether that response was appropriate, Leavitt fired back, “What’s funny to me is that you actually think you’re a journalist… stop sending false and biased questions.”
The decision to hold the meeting in Budapest raised eyebrows, given that Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court and Hungary has shown little willingness to cooperate with the arrest warrant. Reports suggest the country is in the process of withdrawing from the court altogether.
In a follow-up comment to The Independent, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said the response “was more than appropriate,” explaining that “the person who received those messages isn’t a real journalist but a political activist.” He added, “The White House press team handles hundreds of legitimate requests from real journalists every day. We don’t have time to waste on partisan operatives.”
When asked who suggested holding the meeting in Budapest, White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt and Communications Director Steven Cheung sarcastically replied, “Your mother did.”
Pressed on whether that response was appropriate, Leavitt fired back, “What’s funny to me is that you actually think you’re a journalist… stop sending false and biased questions.”
The decision to hold the meeting in Budapest raised eyebrows, given that Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court and Hungary has shown little willingness to cooperate with the arrest warrant. Reports suggest the country is in the process of withdrawing from the court altogether.
In a follow-up comment to The Independent, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said the response “was more than appropriate,” explaining that “the person who received those messages isn’t a real journalist but a political activist.” He added, “The White House press team handles hundreds of legitimate requests from real journalists every day. We don’t have time to waste on partisan operatives.”