Air Force One access is a privilege granted to journalists, not a legal right. This point was reinforced during a recent Washington briefing with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. During the briefing, Leavitt addressed the Associated Press (AP) and its recent legal battle to regain access to the White House press pool.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., denied the AP’s emergency request for a temporary restraining order to restore its privilege to attend White House press briefings. Leavitt emphasized that covering the American presidency in intimate spaces such as the Oval Office or Air Force One is a privilege, not a guaranteed right. She stated that the administration aims to include a broader range of voices in press briefings, inviting independent journalists, podcasters, and media outlets that have not traditionally been part of the White House press corps.

Leavitt also criticized mainstream media outlets, arguing that they have repeatedly failed in their reporting on key political issues, including their coverage of Russia, legal cases in New York, and former President Donald Trump. According to her, the media has misrepresented many stories without issuing corrections. She expressed appreciation for fact-checking efforts against what she referred to as false narratives from political commentators.

The briefing touched on the broader political landscape, highlighting the administration’s efforts to prioritize transparency and direct communication with the American people. Leavitt cited a recent Harvard Harris Poll showing strong public support for Trump’s policies, including an 81% approval rating for deporting illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds and a 77% approval rating for auditing government spending. She framed these figures as evidence of public confidence in the administration’s policies.

Leavitt also addressed economic successes under Trump, announcing that Apple is set to invest $500 billion in the U.S. and create 20,000 new jobs. She attributed such economic growth to policies that have restored business confidence and made America “open for business” again. Additionally, she referenced Trump’s commitment to energy projects, such as reviving the Keystone XL Pipeline and other infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing energy costs for Americans.

Regarding international relations, the press secretary confirmed that Trump is planning meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. She stressed the importance of securing a critical minerals and rare earth materials deal with Ukraine, which would help offset the billions in aid the U.S. has provided to Ukraine’s defense. Leavitt insisted that Ukraine should reciprocate the support it has received from American taxpayers.

Leavitt concluded the briefing by reaffirming the administration’s dedication to fulfilling campaign promises and restoring what she called common sense governance. She criticized the Democratic Party and mainstream media for spreading misinformation and stated that the American people are seeing real results under Trump’s leadership.

The discussion underscored the administration’s stance that media access to the presidency should be expanded to include a diverse range of voices rather than being limited to traditional outlets. It also reinforced Trump’s commitment to economic growth, border security, and international negotiations that align with U.S. interests.