WASHINGTON, D.C. February 5, 2026 – In a pointed exchange during today’s White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed longstanding media narratives surrounding Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Speaking directly to the assembled press corps, Leavitt stated: “The people in this room, considering that you all said, for many years, that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Donald Trump, you should all be VERY happy that we finally have an administration that is looking into that.”
The remark, shared via the official White House Rapid Response account (@RapidResponse47), quickly gained traction online, amassing thousands of views and hundreds of likes within hours. The post included a short video clip from the briefing highlighting the moment.
Leavitt’s comment appears to reference ongoing or newly initiated reviews into the origins and handling of the 2016 Russia investigation, a topic that has remained politically charged since the Mueller Report and subsequent Durham inquiry. Supporters of the current administration have framed such inquiries as necessary accountability measures, while critics view them as politically motivated revisitations of settled matters.
The statement drew a range of reactions on social media:
– Many users praised the Press Secretary’s directness and composure, with comments highlighting her “eloquence, confidence and intelligence.”
– Others expressed strong support, interpreting the line as a sharp rebuttal to past media coverage.
– Skeptical voices dismissed the remarks as deflection or partisan rhetoric.
This exchange comes amid the early days of the administration’s second term, as the White House continues to emphasize its “America First” agenda while frequently engaging in confrontations with legacy media outlets.
No further details on the scope or timeline of any specific investigation referenced were provided in the briefing clip. The White House has not yet issued additional formal statements on the matter as of this reporting.
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