Jessica Tarlov Criticizes Karoline Leavitt Over Trump Comments

Fox News co-host Jessica Tarlov has publicly criticized White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt after Leavitt praised former President Donald Trump for his alleged role in global peace efforts. During a press briefing on March 15, 2024, Leavitt described Trump as “the peace president,” asserting that “American leadership is back on the world stage.”

Leavitt’s comments followed negotiations involving European leaders, including Vladimir Putin of Russia and Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, who are reportedly considering talks to resolve ongoing conflicts. Leavitt claimed, “While previous presidents have traveled halfway around the world to apologize for America, President Trump stands up for America and he has firmly restored America’s status as the undisputed leader of the free world.”

Tarlov responded to Leavitt’s remarks on her social media platform, X, with a sardonic comment: “I’m sure next to standing up for America in the dictionary it reads, ‘Putin wants to make a deal for me.’” This response referenced a hot mic incident where Trump suggested to French President Emmanuel Macron that Putin was eager to negotiate, saying, “I think he wants to make a deal for me. Do you understand that? As crazy as it sounds.”

During a recent interview with The Mark Levin Show, Trump expressed his intention to facilitate a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, stating, “I thought it would be better if they met without me, just to see. I want to see what goes on.” He noted the “very bad relationship” between the two leaders and indicated that he may join later if needed.

Leavitt also criticized media coverage of Trump’s diplomatic efforts, accusing journalists of “actively rooting” against his peacemaking initiatives. She expressed frustration over what she perceives as a lack of appreciation for Trump’s achievements, stating, “The so-called experts in the foreign policy establishment, whose record is nothing but endless wars, trillions of wasted taxpayer dollars and dead Americans, have the nerve to try and lecture President Trump, who has solved seven global conflicts in seven months, about peace.”

Her recent public appearance also garnered attention. Leavitt was photographed seated in a gold armchair in front of the Oval Office fireplace during a peace summit, a seat typically reserved for heads of state. This included notable figures such as Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, who have previously occupied that spot during significant meetings.

Tarlov, who serves as a political strategist for the Democratic Party, often provides a counterpoint to the conservative viewpoints on The Five. She has previously characterized attacks from the Trump administration on political figures like Hillary Clinton and Obama as “preposterous.” In a separate discussion, Tarlov emphasized the legal protections former presidents enjoy, stating, “Barack Obama now has immunity for every single thing that he ever did because that is how Trump wanted it, and the same thing will apply to him.”

Tarlov’s recent exchanges have sparked controversy, particularly her remarks concerning a video showing law enforcement detaining an individual in Washington, D.C. Following backlash from political commentator Stephen Miller, Tarlov clarified her position after being accused of defending a person with a serious criminal charge. She stated, “I didn’t know he was – the DHS memo on him came out hours after the video. Wouldn’t ever defend such a person!”

This back-and-forth highlights the ongoing tensions within political discourse in the United States, particularly as Trump’s influence continues to resonate in both media and public opinion. As negotiations concerning international conflicts unfold, the discourse surrounding Trump’s legacy and leadership remains a focal point for both supporters and critics alike.

The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for further comment on these developments.