CNN has come under a barrage of criticism after one of the network’s journalists appeared to give new White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt a nickname during a live broadcast.

Leavitt, 27, is a rising Republican star and was widely praised for her performance following her first White House press briefing earlier this week.

New White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was labeled a ‘spinmeister’ by a CNN journalist following her first briefingCredit: EPA

Leavitt, 27, seen speaking to the media at the White HouseCredit: AP
While Republican commentators and politicians rushed to praise Leavitt for her performance, some had a different view.

During a CNN broadcast, senior reporter Daniel Dale referred to her as a “spinmeister.”

The context in which Dale used the word was in relation to the federal spending freeze.

Leavitt told reporters that Social Security payments and food stamps would continue going to Americans despite the temporary halt.

But, she didn’t say if non-profit amenities, such as meals on wheels, would be affected.

“It’s a classic spinmeister tactic saying I answered that when you haven’t answered it and apparently can’t answer it right away,” Dale said.

“There’s considerable uncertainty around the country among non profits of various kinds.”

The clip of Dale surfaced on social media, sparking a flurry of discussion.

Scores of people described the network as being “jealous.”

Others accused the channel of being desperate for views.

Karoline Leavitt ‘destroys’ Michael Strahan live on GMA with brutal comeback to federal workers back to office question
Fans hailed Leavitt for how articulate she was at the podium and said her responses were more “forthright” than those of her predecessors, Jen Psaki and Karine Jean-Pierre.

Some believed the spinmeister nickname could be attributed to Jean-Pierre.

The U.S. Sun has approached CNN and Dale for comment.

Viewers also said Leavitt has been “taking the souls” of the broadcasters that interview her.

Get to know Karoline Leavitt

Donald Trump’s press secretary is the youngest White House press secretary ever at 27.

Here are some fast facts about Karoline Leavitt:

She was raised Catholic in Atkinson, New Hampshire
She attended Saint Anselm College
She started her college’s first broadcasting club
She interned at Fox News during college
She worked as the assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany
She won the Republican primary for the US House of Representatives in New Hampshire in 2022
She’s married to 59-year-old entrepreneur Nicholas Riccio
She gave birth to her first son, Niko, in July 2024
She went back to work for Trump days after giving birth
She had her mic cut off in a CNN interview in June 2024 after criticizing presidential debate moderators Dana Bash and Jake Tapper

Ex-NFL star Michael Strahan, who is part of the Good Morning America hosting team, probed the Gen-Z press secretary on Trump’s policy regarding federal workers being in the office.

Strahan asked Leavitt about the risks of scientists and doctors resigning.

But she quipped back saying: “Well, most doctors who work in actual hospitals and medical institutions have to show up to the office.

“We know that employees are more productive and more efficient when they are working in an in-office environment.”

She was hailed for her swift dissection of the question.

“Karoline Leavitt just took another soul on live TV,” one fan said.

They compared her to the grim reaper for taking down Strahan’s point.

“[She] gives no quarter,” another fan chimed.

‘TAKING SOULS’

Leavitt was named as Trump’s press secretary in November and was hailed for her performance following her first briefing.

Vice President JD Vance was among the Republicans who championed her performance.

“She killed it up there, and gave voice to a lot of voices in new media who are actually driving the news,” he said.

Amy Kremer, a Trump supporter, said Leavitt nailed her performance.

Mike Flynn, who served as national security adviser under Trump for 22 days in 2017, posted a fire emoji.

Public relations experts believe Leavitt could run for high office in the future.

Leavitt ran for Congress in 2022 but was defeated by lawmaker Chris Pappas.

The former congressional candidate gave birth to son, Niko, in July 2024.

In an interview with The Conservateur, she recalled how her maternity leave plans were upended following the attempted assassination on Trump.

Leavitt returned to work just three days after giving birth.

She watched the chaos that unfolded after gunman Thomas Crooks fired a shot that pierced Trump’s ear.

“I looked at my husband and said ‘Looks like I’m going back to work,” she said.

Leavitt said she felt compelled to be on the campaign trail.

“The least I could do is get back to work quickly,” she said.

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CNN reporter Daniel Dale came under fire for referring to Leavitt as a ‘spinmeister’Credit: CNN

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Leavitt was hailed for how she dissected Michael Strahan’s question about the government’s approach to working from homeCredit: ABC