Karoline Leavitt Outpaces Jen Psaki in PolitiFact Checks Within Two Months

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has already exceeded the total number of PolitiFact fact-checks conducted on her predecessor, Jen Psaki, in less than two months since taking office. This rapid pace indicates a shift in the scrutiny facing the Biden administration’s communication strategies.

Recent Fact-Check Highlights

On Thursday, PolitiFact issued a new fact-check on Leavitt’s assertion that “Tariffs are a tax cut for the American people.” The fact-check rated this statement as “False.” Chief correspondent Louis Jacobson stated that “virtually all economists” characterize tariffs as tax increases rather than tax cuts.

This fact-check marked Leavitt’s third case examined by PolitiFact since her tenure began in January, placing her ahead of Jen Psaki’s entire record in terms of fact-check numbers.

Comparison with Jen Psaki’s Record

During her sixteen months as press secretary, PolitiFact only fact-checked Psaki twice. The first instance occurred in November 2021, with her claim about the Build Back Better initiative rated as “False.” The second fact-check in January 2022 confirmed her statement about COVID vaccines as “True.” This discrepancy highlights the increased level of scrutiny Leavitt faces compared to her predecessor.

Leavitt’s Impressive Start

Leavitt’s proactive approach to media communication resulted in her receiving her first two PolitiFact fact-checks on January 30, just weeks after starting in the role. One of these early claims was rated “False,” while the other garnered a “Half-True” designation. This aggressive style has not gone unnoticed.

Conservative media watchdog NewsBusters noted the marked uptick in attention from PolitiFact towards Leavitt compared to previous administrations.

Tracing the Fact-Checking Trends

Leavitt’s performance in fact-checks places her just one behind Karine Jean-Pierre, who served as President Biden’s second press secretary. Jean-Pierre accumulated four fact-checks throughout her time from May 2022 to January 2025. Among those, two claims were rated “False,” with the others deemed “Mostly True.” Notably, PolitiFact began focusing on Jean-Pierre’s statements only in June 2022, about one month into her tenure.

Fact-Checking Under Trump Administration

In comparison, press secretaries from the Trump administration also exhibited various levels of fact-check scrutiny. Kayleigh McEnany faced four fact-checks during her term from 2020 to 2021. Additionally, Sarah Huckabee Sanders received five checks, while Sean Spicer recorded nine fact-checks during his brief six-month period in 2017.

Reactions from the White House

In light of these developments, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers commented on PolitiFact’s role. She expressed skepticism regarding the organization’s credibility, labeling them as “left-wing crusaders dedicated to spinning the truth” and accused them of promoting a radical Democratic agenda. The statement underscored the ongoing tension between the current administration and the media’s fact-checking entities.

Implications for the Biden Administration

Leavitt’s rapid accumulation of fact-checks raises questions about the effectiveness and accuracy of the Biden administration’s messaging strategies. As the press secretary continues to engage with reporters, the scrutiny likely will remain a focal point, particularly regarding contentious topics such as tariffs and economic policies.

As Leavitt navigates her role, the outcome of fact-checks and public perceptions will play a critical role in shaping the White House’s communication landscape. Whether this trend continues may signify a more rigorous examination of statements from the current administration than seen previously.

A New Chapter in Political Communication

The current climate of political discourse demands transparency and accountability from leaders. As seen with Leavitt’s fact-checking record, the evolving media landscape, including platforms like PolitiFact, significantly impacts how information is presented to the public. This trend suggests that press secretaries may face heightened scrutiny compared to past administrations. The implications of this increased attention could reshape how future press secretaries approach their roles, ultimately influencing the broader narrative surrounding the White House and its policies.

As we move forward, it remains to be seen how the leadership of Karoline Leavitt will continue to unfold amidst the complexities of political communication. This evolving scenario may lead to a new standard in how press secretaries deliver their messages, emphasizing the necessity for accuracy and honesty over rhetoric.