During a press conference on December 11, 2025, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced positive developments regarding the economy. She stated that inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, “has slowed to an average 2.5% pace” and that real wages are increasing by roughly $1,200 for the average worker.
Shifting the Narrative
The announcement was followed by a notable exchange with CNN political correspondent Kaitlan Collins. When Collins attempted a follow-up question, Leavitt pivoted to criticize Jen Psaki, her predecessor during the Biden administration, claiming Psaki had previously “told utter lies” from the same podium. Leavitt insisted her own statements are “the truth backed by real, factual data.”
However, scrutiny of Leavitt’s claims reveals discrepancies. The actual inflation rate for September was 3%, not the 2.5% figure presented. Furthermore, CNN business editor David Goldman reported that U.S. workers have experienced the lowest annual paycheck growth since May 2021.
The situation prompted comparisons to George Orwell’s novel, “1984.” A historian with expertise in Orwell’s work noted the parallels between Leavitt’s assertions and the pronouncements of the Ministry of Plenty, which routinely presented fabricated statistics divorced from reality.
“Doublespeak” and the Erosion of Trust
Leavitt’s repeated use of the term “transparency,” despite evidence to the contrary, was characterized as “doublespeak” – a term Orwell defined as the ability to hold contradictory beliefs simultaneously. This echoes the novel’s depiction of a regime where “WAR IS PEACE; FREEDOM IS SLAVERY; IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.”
Leavitt has also made other claims that have been challenged, including assertions about USAID funding a “transgender comic book” in Peru, misrepresenting the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on taxes, and claiming President Trump coined the phrase “peace through strength” – a motto historically associated with Ronald Reagan.
She recently defended President Trump’s unwillingness to release the Epstein files by claiming the administration has “done more with respect to transparency” on the matter than any previous administration – a claim described as “fabulously audacious.”
What Happens Next?
The White House could continue to employ this strategy of aggressively defending its narrative, even in the face of contradictory evidence. This could lead to increased scrutiny from the press and further polarization of public opinion. Alternatively, the administration may attempt to recalibrate its messaging, though a significant shift in approach appears unlikely given the established pattern. It is also possible that public pressure and ongoing fact-checking will gradually diminish the impact of these claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the inflation rate reported by Karoline Leavitt?
Karoline Leavitt stated that inflation had slowed to an average of 2.5%, as measured by the consumer price index.
What did Leavitt claim about her predecessor, Jen Psaki?
Leavitt claimed that Jen Psaki told “utter lies” while serving as White House press secretary.
According to CNN, what is the current state of wage growth?
CNN business editor David Goldman reported that U.S. workers have experienced the lowest annual paycheck growth since May 2021.
Given the current climate, how will the public reconcile official statements with their own economic realities?
