Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has faced criticism after discussing private interactions she witnessed between Donald Trump and foreign leaders. During a September 22, 2026 appearance on Sean Hannity’s podcast, Leavitt described conversations involving Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
One story that attracted particular attention involved a private lunch with Starmer. Leavitt said Trump directly challenged the British leader over policy, presenting the exchange as evidence that Trump’s private approach was similar to the direct style he displays publicly.
Newsmax host Greg Kelly, a Trump supporter, criticized Leavitt for publicly discussing details of private presidential meetings after leaving the White House. His objection focused less on what Trump said and more on whether former senior officials should continue respecting confidentiality after leaving government.
The dispute highlights a broader tension between public interest in behind-the-scenes information and expectations of privacy surrounding presidential conversations. Leavitt presented her stories as an inside look at Trump’s diplomatic style, while Kelly argued that revealing private discussions could undermine trust. The source also notes reports that Leavitt may be considering a book about her White House experience, although details of any potential project have not been established.
