Trump’s Latest City Crackdown Divides Officials as Leavitt Rallies in His Corner

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confronted a reporter during a recent briefing, reacting with irritation to inquiries regarding President Donald Trump's deployment of U.S. troops in American cities, which has faced opposition from state leaders.The reporter questioned if Democrats should be concerned about the potential long-term plans for military presence in urban areas like Chicago and Portland. Leavitt replied, accusing Democrats of engaging in a "smear campaign" against the administration.She argued, "Why should they fear federal assistance aimed at ensuring safety in their cities? They should be more concerned about the increasing violence affecting their communities at night, as the president endeavors to address this issue amidst relentless criticism from Democrats and the media."Leavitt challenged narratives framing Trump's military initiatives as authoritarian, asserting the administration's aim is to aid inefficient local governments. Despite her statements, social media reactions indicate skepticism about the government's claims regarding crime reduction and public safety.