Washington, D.C. — In a recent conversation with Sean Hannity, Karoline Leavitt, former White House press secretary, candidly revealed that President Donald Trump often resorts to strong language. The interview, which aired on September 22, delved into Trump’s informal communication style, particularly during high-stakes diplomacy with world leaders.
When Hannity posed the question about Trump’s tendency to curse, Leavitt confirmed it, noting that the president is candid in both public and private settings. Their discussion included detailed anecdotes from Trump’s diplomacy, specifically his contentious calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, reflecting the sometimes fiery nature of their exchanges.
Leavitt also recounted an eye-opening lunch with former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where Trump expressed his stark disapproval of UK’s immigration policies. According to Leavitt, Trump confronted Starmer directly, calling the policies misguided and asserting that the British people were unhappy with them. Though the encounter lacked profane outbursts, it painted a picture of the president’s unabashed approach to international dialogue.
Throughout the interview, Leavitt suggested that the persona Trump displays on television aligns closely with how he interacts with his staff. Reflecting on her time as press secretary, she noted that some members of the White House press corps felt compelled to apologize for what she termed “unfair questions,” indicating the often-contentious relationship between the administration and the media.
Leavitt’s resignation in August 2026 marked the end of a tenure characterized by her assertive presence at the podium. Her comments suggest that she witnessed firsthand the dynamics of Trump’s communication style, both in formal settings and in less structured conversations.
The conversation also highlighted Trump’s controversial history of using abrasive language toward political opponents. He has previously referred to figures such as Rep. Thomas Massie and California Gov. Gavin Newsom with various derogatory terms. This pattern of language aligns with Trump’s broader approach to rhetoric, which he has justified as necessary for achieving his objectives.
In June 2025, during a tension-filled moment regarding Israel and Iran, Trump made headlines for using profanity, illustrating his willingness to employ tough terms in politically charged conversations. When questioned about such remarks, he defended his choice of words as part of a strategy to assert his position firmly.
During campaign rallies, Trump has also embraced coarse language, evident in instances where he used vulgar terms to criticize opposing policies. Supporters often respond enthusiastically, underscoring a connection between Trump’s rhetoric and his political base.
With Leavitt’s insights bringing new dimensions to the ongoing conversation about Trump’s communication style, her reflections serve as a reminder of the interplay between image, language, and leadership in American politics.