Criticism towards CNN for calling WH press sec Karoline Leavitt a nickname, fans come up with a new nickname praising her for her assertiveness on TV

CNN faced backlash when one of its journalists seemingly gave the new White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, a nickname during a live broadcast.

Leavitt, 27, is a rising Republican star and was widely praised for her performance following her first White House press briefing earlier this week.

While Republican commentators and politicians rushed to praise Leavitt for her performance, some had a different view.

During a CNN broadcast, senior reporter Daniel Dale referred to her as a “spinmeister.”

The context in which Dale used the word was in relation to the federal spending freeze.

Leavitt told reporters that Social Security payments and food stamps would continue going to Americans despite the temporary halt.

But, she didn’t say if non-profit amenities, such as meals on wheels, would be affected.

“It’s a classic spinmeister tactic saying I answered that when you haven’t answered it and apparently can’t answer it right away,” Dale said.

“There’s considerable uncertainty around the country among non profits of various kinds.”

Dale’s apparent word surfaced on social media and X users lashed out at the broadcaster.

Scores of people described the network as being “jealous.”

Others accused the channel of being desperate for views.

Leavitt received praise from viewers for her eloquence at the podium, with many noting her responses were more direct compared to former press secretaries, Jen Psaki and Karine Jean-Pierre.

Some believed the spinmeister nickname could be attributed to Jean-Pierre.

The U.S. Sun has approached CNN and Dale for comment.

Viewers also said Leavitt has been “taking the souls” of the broadcasters that interview her.

Former NFL player Michael Strahan, a host on Good Morning America, questioned the Gen-Z press secretary about Trump’s stance on federal workers’ presence in the office.

Strahan asked Leavitt about the risks of scientists and doctors resigning.

But she quipped back saying: “Well, most doctors who work in actual hospitals and medical institutions have to show up to the office.

“We know that employees are more productive and more efficient when they are working in an in-office environment.”

She was hailed for her swift dissection of the question.

“Karoline Leavitt just took another soul on live TV,” one fan said.

They compared her to the grim reaper for taking down Strahan’s point.

“[She] gives no quarter,” another fan chimed.

‘TAKING SOULS’

Leavitt was named as Trump’s press secretary in November and was hailed for her performance following her first briefing.

Vice President JD Vance was among the Republicans who championed her performance.

“She killed it up there, and gave voice to a lot of voices in new media who are actually driving the news,” he said.

Amy Kremer, a Trump supporter, said Leavitt nailed her performance.

Mike Flynn, who served as national security adviser under Trump for 22 days in 2017, posted a fire emoji.

Public relations experts believe Leavitt could run for high office in the future.

Leavitt ran for Congress in 2022 but was defeated by lawmaker Chris Pappas.

The former congressional candidate gave birth to son, Niko, in July 2024.

In an interview with The Conservateur, she recalled how her maternity leave plans were upended following the attempted assassination on Trump.

Leavitt returned to work just three days after giving birth.

She watched the chaos that unfolded after gunman Thomas Crooks fired a shot that pierced Trump’s ear.

“I looked at my husband and said ‘Looks like I’m going back to work,” she said.

Leavitt said she felt compelled to be on the campaign trail.

“The least I could do is get back to work quickly,” she said.