Scaramucci says Leavitt would have opposed Trump media ban

Scaramucci’s claim

Anthony Scaramucci, a former White House communications director, said Wednesday that Karoline Leavitt would have advised President Trump against his recent ban on media outlets.

Scaramucci also named John Kelly, a former Trump White House chief of staff, as someone who would have told Trump not to take that action. His comments described the advice he believes both officials would have offered the president.

The statement focused on internal presidential counsel: whether people serving in senior White House roles would urge Trump to reconsider a restriction affecting news organizations. Scaramucci presented Leavitt and Kelly as two figures who, in his view, would have opposed the ban in conversations with Trump.

What the statement means

Scaramucci’s remarks do not establish that Leavitt directly gave Trump that advice. They describe what Scaramucci believes she would have recommended. The same distinction applies to his statement about Kelly.

The comment also does not change Trump’s restriction. It adds the view of a former White House official to the dispute over the president’s treatment of media outlets, while leaving the administration’s action in place.

A public response from Leavitt could show whether she agrees with Scaramucci’s characterization of her position. Further action or an announcement from Trump would show whether the media ban will remain in its current form, be changed or be ended.