Live: Karoline Leavitt Leads White House Press Briefing as US War with Iran Continues

Why It Matters

The briefing links battlefield gains to immediate energy market stability while using the war narrative to accelerate contentious domestic legislation, underscoring how foreign conflict is leveraged to shape U.S. political and economic policy.

Key Takeaways

• Operation Epic Fury has struck over 5,000 Iranian targets.
• Iranian missile and drone attacks reduced by more than 90%.
• Trump urges Congress to pass the Save America Act immediately.
• US Navy may escort tankers in Strait of Hormuz if needed.
• Department of Homeland Security funding remains stalled, affecting TSA payroll.

Summary

The White House briefing, led by Karoline Leavitt, focused on the ongoing U.S. military campaign against Iran—dubbed Operation Epic Fury—while outlining President Trump’s upcoming travel itinerary and his push for the Save America Act. The administration highlighted striking metrics: more than 5,000 enemy targets hit, a 90% drop in Iranian missile attacks, and the destruction of over 50 Iranian naval vessels, including a drone carrier, underscoring rapid progress toward declared objectives.

Leavitt emphasized that the U.S. is safeguarding oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, offering political‑risk insurance, temporary sanction waivers, and potential Navy escorts for tankers. Domestically, the briefing turned to the Save America Act, detailing five provisions on voter ID, citizenship verification, mail‑ballot restrictions, bans on trans women in women’s sports, and prohibitions on gender‑affirming surgery for minors. The spokesperson also addressed stalled Department of Homeland Security funding, linking it to TSA payroll delays and urging congressional action.

Notable remarks included the president’s warning that any attempt to disrupt oil shipments would be met with “the world’s most powerful military 20 times harder,” and Leavitt’s rebuttal to Democratic claims that the Save America Act would disenfranchise married women, calling those myths “zero validity.” She also reiterated Trump’s commitment to fully fund DHS and the Coast Guard, framing the issue as partisan obstruction.

The briefing signals heightened military pressure on Iran, potential short‑term energy market volatility, and an intensified political fight over election‑integrity legislation and federal funding. Stakeholders—from energy traders to policymakers—must monitor how operational successes translate into diplomatic outcomes and how domestic legislative battles may affect the administration’s broader strategic agenda.

Original Description

Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt holds White House press briefing on March 10, 2026. Trump administration officials pledged more firepower in the war with Iran on Wednesday after officials said a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship, with reports of at least 80 people killed.

🎥: REUTERS