White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a briefing with reporters — 7/16/2026

Summary

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt held a briefing covering President Trump's upcoming prime-time speech on election integrity, positive economic data (CPI drop, real wage gains), the launch of Trump child savings accounts, border security achievements, and ongoing military and diplomatic actions regarding Iran. She also addressed a staffer's betting scandal and other domestic topics.

• President Trump will address the nation on election integrity, promising new evidence; press secretary urges Americans to watch before judging.
• CPI fell 0.4% in the latest report, the largest monthly decline in over six years, with falling prices in gasoline, electricity, and other goods; real wages up.
• Walmart and Sam's Club announced price cuts on thousands of items, commended by the administration.
• Trump child investment savings accounts are live; over 6.5 million children signed up, with $1,000 Treasury seed deposits for eligible newborns and tax-advantaged contributions.
• Border security: 14th consecutive month with zero releases of illegal aliens; southwest border apprehensions down 94% from Biden-era highs.
• On Iran: U.S. strikes continue after Iran violated a memorandum of understanding by firing on commercial vessels; a blockade is imposed on ships traveling to/from Iranian ports; oil prices remain around $80/barrel.
• A White House teleprompter operator is on unpaid leave after being investigated for trading on prediction markets using privileged information.
• The administration is monitoring a parasite outbreak linked to produce, working with CDC/FDA to trace the source.