White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that President Donald Trump remains “always the final decision-maker” regarding any potential U.S. action against Iran, pushing back on what she described as speculative media coverage about possible military operations. Speaking during an appearance on Fox & Friends, Leavitt emphasized that while national security discussions are ongoing, ultimate authority rests squarely with the president. Her comments came amid renewed debate over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and recent assessments from U.S. officials about Tehran’s capabilities. Leavitt’s remarks sought to project steadiness and centralized leadership at a time when questions about escalation in the Middle East have drawn intense political and international scrutiny.
During the interview, Leavitt referenced Operation Midnight Hammer, a U.S. military action carried out in June that administration officials say significantly degraded Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Although special envoy Steve Witkoff said over the weekend that Iran was “probably a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material” prior to the strikes, Leavitt argued the operation successfully set back Tehran’s program. At the same time, she cautioned that success in a single operation does not eliminate long-term risks. “That does not mean that Iran may never try again to establish a nuclear program that could directly threaten the United States and our allies abroad,” she said, adding that preventing such a resurgence remains a central objective of the president’s foreign policy. Her framing underscored the administration’s position that deterrence and vigilance must go hand in hand.
Leavitt also criticized what she described as “sensationalist reporting” about when or whether Trump might authorize additional military action. She dismissed anonymous sourcing and speculation about internal deliberations, saying such commentary reflects guesswork rather than factual insight. “Anyone speculating to the media, hiding behind an anonymous source, pretending to know what President Trump is thinking or a decision he will make with respect to action against Iran has no idea what they’re talking about,” she said. The press secretary’s forceful rebuttal appeared aimed at reinforcing the message that foreign policy decisions are made through formal processes and at the president’s discretion, rather than being telegraphed through leaks or media conjecture.
In the same interview, Leavitt pivoted to preview Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address, describing it as “a great speech” focused on fulfilling campaign pledges and highlighting achievements during his time in office. She said the president plans to spotlight individual Americans who have contributed significantly to the nation’s history, tying the address to celebrations of the country’s 250th anniversary of independence this July. According to Leavitt, Trump will recount stories of “GREAT American heroes who exemplify bravery and the spirit of 1776,” blending patriotic themes with policy priorities. She indicated that the speech would feature both emotional moments and lighter elements, continuing a tradition of inviting special guests whose personal stories reflect broader national themes.
However, the address is expected to unfold against a backdrop of partisan tension. Several Democrats have announced plans not to attend, while others intend to use their guest invitations to highlight issues they believe deserve greater scrutiny. Among them are California Reps. Ro Khanna and Robert Garcia, who said they will bring guests connected to the case of Jeffrey Epstein. The controversy centers on the release of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bipartisan measure passed by Congress and signed by Trump last year. The administration has said approximately 3.5 million pages of records tied to multiple investigations have been released, with redactions made to protect victims and comply with court orders. Some Democrats, however, continue to call for additional disclosures, arguing that transparency and accountability remain incomplete.
Other Democratic lawmakers are focusing on immigration enforcement. Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar announced she will attend the address with four guests she says were affected by Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in her state. According to reports from the New York Post, one of those guests, Aliya Rahman, appeared in a viral video showing federal agents pulling her from her vehicle. Omar has said the stories of Rahman, Mary Granlund, Mubashir Hussen, and Gerardo Orozco Guzman reflect what she characterizes as aggressive enforcement actions that have disrupted communities. As Trump prepares to deliver remarks emphasizing national security, economic policy, and American achievement, the presence of these guests underscores how sharply divided lawmakers remain on issues ranging from foreign policy toward Iran to domestic immigration enforcement and the handling of high-profile criminal investigations.
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