It was “Take Your Child to Work Day” at the White House, and the briefing room turned into a scene straight out of a comedy special — only the reporters were all under 12 and weren’t holding back.Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt fielded question after question from tiny but fearless attendees, kids of administration staffers and journalists, in a session that was anything but ordinary.“How much candy does he eat a day?” one kid asked without flinching, referring to President Donald Trump.“A good amount of candy,” Leavitt replied, laughing. “He likes pink Starbursts and Tootsie Rolls.”Another pint-sized reporter was laser-focused on fast food: “What’s his favorite order at McDonald’s?”“He loves McDonald’s hamburgers and French fries. Who doesn’t?” Leavitt said, then clarified, “President Trump loves a lot of different foods. I think his favorite is probably steak.”That famous steak — always well-done and slathered with ketchup — has followed Trump through the headlines since 2016, earning everything from side-eyes to full-blown culinary outrage.The seats in the briefing room were about half-filled with kids, ranging from infants to middle schoolers, with proud parents watching from the aisles. Even Leavitt’s own 10-month-old son, Niko, was there for the ride.And the kids weren’t done.One bold boy asked the question that could make even seasoned journalists sweat: “Who’s the president’s favorite kid?” And without skipping a beat, he followed up with, “Which news outlet do you like the least?”“Depends on the day,” Leavitt said to both, smiling.Another asked, “How many people has President Trump fired?”Leavitt replied, “There was one individual who did leave their job,” likely referencing former national security adviser Mike Waltz, who was recently nominated by Trump to serve as UN ambassador — a move insiders said was a creative way of pushing him out.Then came the softer side of Trump.“Does the president like to give hugs?” one child asked.“I’ve seen President Trump give many hugs,” Leavitt responded. “He’s hugged the first lady, Melania, and lots of others.”And his favorite ice cream?“A chocolate sundae,” Leavitt confirmed.Turns out, kids really do say the darndest things — especially when they’ve got a mic and a seat in the White House briefing room.
