During the White House press briefing, children took over and asked what everyone was thinking. Does President Donald Trump enjoy embracing people? “Yes, I do think he likes to give hugs,” Karoline Leavitt, the press secretary at the White House, said. A child inquired, “What is his favorite food?” “He likes to eat big, beautiful steak,” Leavitt stated.
It was “Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day.” On May 20, the White House invited the children of reporters that comprise the White House press corps and White House personnel to the press briefing room as a late celebration of the occasion.
Young children sat in the seats that their parents typically occupied and demanded answers in sweet, high-pitched voices about Trump’s favorite president other than himself (George Washington, Leavitt guessed, but wasn’t positive) and his favorite ice cream flavor (an ice cream sundae with chocolate sauce and toppings).
But a much bolder … more relevant ‒ question was asked by one of the young reporters: “How many people has he fired?” A young girl from the front row, who was most likely around four years old, questioned.
After chuckling, Leavitt stated: “We have a fantastic crew here, but as of right now, we haven’t had anyone fired aside from one person who did quit. Everything is going OK so far. Leavitt didn’t say who she was talking about. She might be referring to Mike Waltz, who resigned as Trump’s national security adviser on May 1st, just before Trump appointed him as the country’s ambassador.
Naturally, throughout his first term, Trump gained a reputation for firing White House aides without delay. Trump used the phrase “You’re fired” frequently throughout his tenure on NBC’s “The Apprentice.” Trump has also taken a beating ram to the federal workforce since he returned to the White House.
Q: Who is Trump’s favorite president, beside himself?
LEAVITT: That’s a good question, because it would be probably himself pic.twitter.com/msqWRNBNiF
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 20, 2025
In an attempt to dismantle the federal bureaucracy, the Trump administration has fired tens of thousands of federal employees in the first four months of his second term, with assistance from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Even more have chosen to resign through buyouts.
The number of federal employees let go as a result of the DOGE reduction has not been disclosed by the White House. However, according to a Reuters study, the Trump administration has reduced 12% of the 2.3 million federal civilian employees, with roughly 260,000 of them accepting buyouts or other inducements to leave.
Which “superpower” does Trump wish he had? was one of the questions posed by a child during the briefing.
Karoline Leavitt is so great! 🤣😂
Kid Question: “What’s your least favorite news outlet?”
Leavitt: “I can tell you’re a staff kid not a journalist kid. Did someone say ABC?”
She was the perfect pick for Press Secretary! pic.twitter.com/e9fsgs8PgQ
— The Austin Conservative 🇺🇸🤘 (@atx_republican) May 20, 2025
“It would be just to snap his fingers and solve all of our country’s problems – just like that,” Leavitt stated. “Because he likes to get things done very quickly.” A small youngster inquired about Trump’s daily sweets consumption. Leavitt, “A good amount of candy,” “He likes pink Starbursts and Tootsie Rolls.” However, Leavitt had trouble answering one question with a single response.
One boy inquired, “What’s your least favorite news outlet?” Leavitt giggled as she glanced down at her lectern. “You’re obviously a staff kid. She smiled and added, “Honestly, it depends on the day.” “Not a journalist’s kid.” The crowd burst out laughing as the child inquired, “Aside from himself, which president is Donald Trump’s favorite?”
With a dig at Trump’s well-known self-confidence, Leavitt responded, “That’s a good question, because it would be – uh, probably, himself.” “I think that perhaps he would say George Washington,” she said. I am aware that he gives George Washington, the first president of our wonderful nation, a lot of praise. Additionally, his large, exquisite image hangs over the fireplace in the Oval Office. Excellent query.”
Here are some glimpses of the the White House briefing with children:
