On April 29, 2025, Karoline Leavitt and Scott Bessent jointly addressed the press to highlight the administration’s first-100-day achievements and unfolding economic agenda. Leavitt framed the session around “unleashing economic greatness,” focusing on deregulation, border security, and targeted messaging to alternative media outlets. Bessent defended the administration’s intertwined strategy of tariff adjustments, tax-cut extensions, and renewed efforts to reshape U.S. trade policy, announcing a partial pause on auto tariffs and projecting confidence in continued growth despite headwinds.

Background

• Date & Participants: The briefing took place on April 29, 2025, with Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, and Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, leading the session 

• Context: It coincided with the administration’s 100th day in office, a traditional milestone for reviewing early policy successes and laying out next steps 

• Leavitt’s Role: At 27, Leavitt is the youngest-ever White House Press Secretary, appointed January 20, 2025, noted for prioritizing “new media” voices alongside legacy outlets 

• Bessent’s Portfolio: Confirmed January 27, 2025, as Treasury Secretary, Bessent oversees economic policy, revenue collection, and financial stability efforts 

Major Administration Achievements Highlighted

Economic Growth & Inflation Relief

• Deregulation Push: Leavitt touted over 300 executive actions taken to roll back “Biden’s regulatory constraints,” emphasizing lower energy and consumer costs 

• Price-Relief Orders: Bessent noted directives to federal agencies to deliver “emergency price relief,” tying into moves to reduce burdensome regulations and unlock domestic production 

Trade & Tariffs

• Auto Tariff Adjustment: Bessent announced a 90-day suspension of the 25 percent auto tariff for all countries except China, aimed at stabilizing domestic automotive production and prices 

• Future Tariff Strategy: He defended this “interlocking agenda” of selective tariff use coupled with tax-cut extensions, arguing it balances competitiveness with revenue needs 

Border & National Security

• Border Security Claims: Leavitt reiterated that the administration has created “the most secure border in history,” enforcing zero-tolerance and completing wall segments as promised 

• Executive Actions: She credited swift use of national emergency powers to end “catch and release,” deport criminal aliens, and leverage sanctions against non-cooperating nations 

Interaction with the Press

• “New Media” Emphasis: Leavitt opened by welcoming non-traditional outlets, criticizing legacy media for “ignoring positive developments,” and pledging greater access to sympathetic voices 

• Tough Questions on Trade: Reporters pressed Bessent on potential retaliation by trading partners; he responded that “if you retaliate, there will be escalation,” but remained optimistic that markets would absorb shocks without tipping into recession 

Implications & Outlook

• Economic Indicators: While labor market data remain robust, consumer confidence sits near a 13-year low, underscoring public skepticism despite official optimism 

• Media Strategy Shift: The briefing underlines a broader pivot toward curated press pools, signaling ongoing tension between the administration and mainstream press corps 

Conclusion

Leavitt and Bessent used the 100-day briefing to reinforce a narrative of decisive action—border security, regulatory relief, and strategic tariff modifications—while openly challenging traditional media and defending an assertive trade posture. As spring turns to summer, the administration will seek to sustain growth, manage inflation, and navigate an increasingly fractious domestic and international economic landscape.