White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Criticizes CNN for Interview with Cartel Figure

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly criticized CNN after the network aired an interview with a figure affiliated with the Sinaloa group, following discussions around a policy that could label such organizations as foreign threats.

The interview, conducted by CNN’s Isobel Yeung, featured a masked individual whose identity was concealed. The timing coincides with increased efforts by the White House to curb illegal activities that have been associated with such organizations.

Since January, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken significant action on immigration enforcement and border security, with federal agencies reporting progress on several fronts.

Former President Trump recently signed an executive action seeking to designate certain groups as foreign threats, prompting CNN’s Yeung to ask the masked individual, “According to the administration, you are now considered part of a foreign threat. How do you respond?”

The masked figure responded by pointing to difficult economic conditions and a lack of opportunities.

Leavitt responded with visible frustration during a press conference Monday evening.

“I was scrolling through Instagram when I saw this interview, and it stopped me in my tracks,” Leavitt said. “Not only because a platform was given to someone affiliated with a designated foreign threat, but also because of the tone and content of the questions.”

She continued, “It felt like a light, sympathetic interview toward someone tied to serious concerns, and I found that deeply troubling.”

Leavitt added, “This is yet another reason why public trust in legacy media continues to erode.”

During the interview, the masked figure offered a surprisingly calm response when asked about his view of the U.S. president.

“I respect him,” the individual said, describing the president as someone who “looks out for his people.”

The interview has sparked wide-ranging reactions online, with many viewers expressing concern over the platform given to someone associated with such controversial activities.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly criticized CNN after the network aired an interview with a figure affiliated with the Sinaloa group, following discussions around a policy that could label such organizations as foreign threats.

The interview, conducted by CNN’s Isobel Yeung, featured a masked individual whose identity was concealed. The timing coincides with increased efforts by the White House to curb illegal activities that have been associated with such organizations.

Since January, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken significant action on immigration enforcement and border security, with federal agencies reporting progress on several fronts.

Former President Trump recently signed an executive action seeking to designate certain groups as foreign threats, prompting CNN’s Yeung to ask the masked individual, “According to the administration, you are now considered part of a foreign threat. How do you respond?”

The masked figure responded by pointing to difficult economic conditions and a lack of opportunities.

Leavitt responded with visible frustration during a press conference Monday evening.

“I was scrolling through Instagram when I saw this interview, and it stopped me in my tracks,” Leavitt said. “Not only because a platform was given to someone affiliated with a designated foreign threat, but also because of the tone and content of the questions.”

She continued, “It felt like a light, sympathetic interview toward someone tied to serious concerns, and I found that deeply troubling.”

Leavitt added, “This is yet another reason why public trust in legacy media continues to erode.”

During the interview, the masked figure offered a surprisingly calm response when asked about his view of the U.S. president.

“I respect him,” the individual said, describing the president as someone who “looks out for his people.”

The interview has sparked wide-ranging reactions online, with many viewers expressing concern over the platform given to someone associated with such controversial activities.