Newsmax Host Criticizes Karoline Leavitt for Comments on Private Lunch with Trump

<figure><img alt="White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt fixes her hair as she is interviewed by Fox News outside the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 16, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/MUHBGOKZWFEV7DBFFT4KOT6LQU.JPG?auth=8e5bae4b4654b01c67cd018b4cea9a73b532b95fb3458b0a2701f8f0848dcc0e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3020&amp;height=1699" /><figcaption>Evelyn Hockstein / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt faced criticism from Newsmax host Greg Kelly following her comments on Sean Hannity’s podcast. Kelly accused Leavitt of breaching trust regarding private meetings held by former President Donald Trump.</p><p>In a post on X, Kelly expressed disbelief, stating, "Unbelievable. So now that she’s an Ex press secretary, Karoline (with a K) Leavitt GOSSIPS about PRIVATE meetings the President had with world leaders?"</p><img alt="Greg Kelly slams Karoline Leavitt as " src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/ANMJHJG37NFBHA6VOM3TOZAZUA.png?auth=4cc0533930b0ec3ab88f2674f03f62089e6e7ff62cc49b330963e232368fbbe8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1188&amp;height=394" /><p>Leavitt, who stepped down from her role in August, shared anecdotes about Trump during her podcast appearance. She recounted an incident where Trump criticized UK politician Keir Starmer during a private lunch, stating, "Your policies here are so stupid, you need to close your borders. You need to deport these people you have in your country. I know your country and I know your people, they hate what you’re doing."</p><p>Leavitt noted that they were guests at the lunch, emphasizing the context of the conversation. She described the moment as surprising, recalling her and Stephen Miller's reactions.</p><p>Kelly reacted strongly, stating, "We’re in the middle of MIDTERM MADNESS and Karoline (with a K) ‘dishes’ Without a Care In the World. A BREACH of Trust: The President’s, and the Nation’s. So IMMATURE!!!!"</p><p>Trump had previously criticized Starmer, who resigned as UK Prime Minister in July, and had made comments about Starmer's performance on immigration and energy policy.</p><img alt="Donald Trump spills the news that Keir Starmer is stepping down as UK Prime Minister. / Truth Social/Donald Trump" height="436" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/OX3D3XJLWZE7XLFSVUWPHGNZLU.png?auth=668ec77c8a1f63de938689de8df22daaf3c408053bde670b7328f28b87721068&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1146&amp;height=436" width="1146" /><p>Currently, the position of press secretary remains vacant, and Trump has restricted access to certain media outlets, including CNN and Politico, from the White House. CNN's travel spot on Air Force One has been reassigned to right-wing outlets.</p><p>The White House did not respond to a request for comment regarding the situation.</p>