White House Press Briefing Features Fawning Question from Pro-Trump Reporter

At a Friday press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt concluded the session by inviting a question from Cara Castronuova, a former boxer and supporter of Donald Trump, currently working for Lindell TV, a network known for its pro-Trump content. Castronuova's question was notably fawning, as she asked if the White House would reveal Trump's "fitness plan," citing the president's appearance as "healthier than ever before" compared to his early days in office.

The question followed a briefing that covered various serious topics, like Trump's tariffs and relations with Iran, highlighting how the current administration is influencing media interactions within the White House. On the day of the briefing, Trump was also set to undergo his first comprehensive physical in over a year and a half, although it was reported that he would not take a cognitive test during this examination, despite his history of critiquing President Biden's mental fitness.

Castronuova, known for her previous role as a trainer on a reality television show, took the opportunity to express admiration for Trump’s physical condition. She inquired whether the president was collaborating with Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy on wellness initiatives, while also playfully referencing Trump's known fondness for fast food. In response, Leavitt affirmed that the president is indeed in good shape and expressed her relief as the briefing wrapped up after a long week.

Since Trump's return to the presidency, the administration has been actively altering the press pool dynamics, including diminishing the influence of the White House Correspondents’ Association and favoring voices from far-right media. The inclusion of Castronuova, who made headlines for her legal challenges in New York’s GOP primary, reflects this strategic shift. Following her hiring, Lindell, the network's owner, expressed enthusiasm for bringing a unique voice to White House reporting that aims to challenge conventional narratives.