Article in Daily Kos by Morgan Stephens, 2/21/25
Headline: “Oh look, the White House is using social media to smear reporters”
“Donald Trump’s White House is using its state-run ‘Rapid Response 47’ account to push lies, attack reporters, and hype fake poll numbers—blurring the line between official governance and a MAGA propaganda machine.
In a post on X Friday, the ‘Rapid Response 47’ account posted a clip of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt answering a question by NBC News Chief White House correspondent Peter Alexander on the White House north lawn.
“ ‘MUST WATCH: @PressSec smacks down Fake News loser @PeterAlexander as he tries to run cover for the WASTE, FRAUD, and ABUSE in the federal government,’ the account posted to its more than 723,00 followers.
“But Alexander asked a reasonable question, and it was far from the ‘smackdown’ the page claimed it was.
“ ‘We’re now hearing from constituents in some traditionally red districts complaining about what they say is the chainsaw approach, saying that it’s being done very sloppily, the cuts to jobs and spending. How do you respond to that criticism?’ asked Alexander.
“ ‘I love how the media takes a few critics when the overwhelming response from the American people is support for what this administration is doing,’ replied Leavitt.”