Karoline Leavitt is set to leave her position as White House press secretary at the end of August, and President Donald Trump has begun teasing possible contenders to replace her.

At a rally in South Carolina, Trump praised Leavitt’s performance while joking about her decision to leave the demanding White House role after the birth of her second child. Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in U.S. history when she took the position at the age of 28.

Trump said there is no shortage of interest in the position and suggested that the role has become more attractive under Leavitt. Among the names he mentioned are Scott Jennings, a CNN commentator and Trump supporter, and Margo Martin, a longtime Trump communications aide.

Karoline Leavitt Set to Leave White House Press Secretary Post | Trump Reveals Possible Replacements

A fiery exchange unfolded during a White House press briefing involving Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and reporters, with questions focusing on the Trump administration’s claims and media coverage. Leavitt has repeatedly engaged in heated exchanges with journalists during White House briefings, including confrontations over coverage of the Iran conflict.

The latest moments have renewed debate over the relationship between the Trump administration and the White House press corps, with reporters challenging official statements while Leavitt strongly defending the administration’s position.

Watch the full report for the key exchanges, fact-check moments and the latest developments from the White House.


 War of Words, Fact Check Moments on White House Press Secy Leavitt

The White House confirmed on Tuesday (March 10) that the United States Navy has not escorted any oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, despite an earlier social media post by Chris Wright suggesting such an operation had taken place. During a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified the situation. “I can confirm that the US Navy has not escorted a tanker or a vessel at this time,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing at the White House. “Though, of course, that’s an option the president has said he will absolutely utilize if and when necessary, at the appropriate time.”&nbsp;Leavitt added that she had no further details about why Wright posted the now-deleted message claiming a naval escort had already occurred. The White House also addressed concerns over rising energy prices amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. According to Leavitt, the administration believes the current spike in global oil and gas prices will be temporary. “Rest assured to the American people, the recent increase in oil and gas prices is temporary, and this operation will result in lower gas prices in the long term,” she said during the briefing.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-raises-alarm-over-black-rain-acidic-rain-after-strikes-on-tehran-oil-depots-amid-iran-war-1773161596056">United Nations raises alarm over ‘black rain’, 'acidic rain' after strikes on Tehran oil depots amid Iran war</a>&nbsp;Leavitt did not provide a timeline for when prices could decline but emphasized that the administration is taking steps to ease the energy shock linked to tensions in the region. Those measures include offering insurance support for tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz and waiving certain oil-related sanctions. “The US military is drawing up additional operations following the president’s directive to continue keeping the Strait of Hormuz open,” Leavitt said. “I will not broadcast what those options look like, but just know the president is not afraid to use them.”&nbsp;The White House also clarified how Donald Trump views the idea of “unconditional surrender” by Iran, a phrase the president has repeatedly used when discussing a potential deal with Tehran. “When President Trump says that Iran is in a place of unconditional surrender, he’s not claiming the Iranian regime is going to come out and say that themselves. What the president means is that Iran’s threats will no longer be backed by a ballistic missile arsenal that protects them from building a nuclear bomb in their country,” Leavitt said.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-confirms-docking-of-iris-lavan-another-iranian-ship-near-sri-lanka-coast-1773168248492/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-confirms-docking-of-iris-lavan-another-iranian-ship-near-sri-lanka-coast-1773168248492/embed</a>&nbsp;She added, “President Trump will determine when Iran is in a place of unconditional surrender, when they no longer pose a credible and direct threat to the United States of America and our allies.”&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

'US Navy has not escorted a tanker' through Strait of Hormuz: White House after US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright deletes post

The White House confirmed on Tuesday (March 10) that the United States Navy has not escorted any oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, despite an earlier social media post by Chris Wright suggesting such an operation had taken place. During a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified the situation. “I can confirm that the US Navy has not escorted a tanker or a vessel at this time,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing at the White House. “Though, of course, that’s an option the president has said he will absolutely utilize if and when necessary, at the appropriate time.” Leavitt added that she had no further details about why Wright posted the now-deleted message claiming a naval escort had already occurred. The White House also addressed concerns over rising energy prices amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. According to Leavitt, the administration believes the current spike in global oil and gas prices will be temporary. “Rest assured to the American people, the recent increase in oil and gas prices is temporary, and this operation will result in lower gas prices in the long term,” she said during the briefing. Also Read: United Nations raises alarm over ‘black rain’, 'acidic rain' after strikes on Tehran oil depots amid Iran war Leavitt did not provide a timeline for when prices could decline but emphasized that the administration is taking steps to ease the energy shock linked to tensions in the region. Those measures include offering insurance support for tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz and waiving certain oil-related sanctions. “The US military is drawing up additional operations following the president’s directive to continue keeping the Strait of Hormuz open,” Leavitt said. “I will not broadcast what those options look like, but just know the president is not afraid to use them.” The White House also clarified how Donald Trump views the idea of “unconditional surrender” by Iran, a phrase the president has repeatedly used when discussing a potential deal with Tehran. “When President Trump says that Iran is in a place of unconditional surrender, he’s not claiming the Iranian regime is going to come out and say that themselves. What the president means is that Iran’s threats will no longer be backed by a ballistic missile arsenal that protects them from building a nuclear bomb in their country,” Leavitt said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-confirms-docking-of-iris-lavan-another-iranian-ship-near-sri-lanka-coast-1773168248492/embed She added, “President Trump will determine when Iran is in a place of unconditional surrender, when they no longer pose a credible and direct threat to the United States of America and our allies.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

White House says US Navy has not escorted any oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz despite an earlier claim, as tensions with Iran continue

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration’s recent military campaign against Iran is guided by four main objectives, reiterating the government’s message as allies seek clarity on the strategy behind the weekend strikes. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday (March 4), Leavitt outlined the administration’s goals: eliminating Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, crippling the country’s naval forces in the region, dismantling militant proxy groups linked to Tehran, and ensuring Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon.<h2>What are the four objectives of the US in attacking Iran?</h2><ul><li>Destroy the Iranian regime’s ballistic missile program</li><li>"Annihilate” Iran’s naval presence in the region</li><li>Dismantle Iran’s terrorist proxies, which have been responsible for attacks on US coalition forces and contributed to destabilisation in the region</li><li>Prevent Iran from further pursuing a nuclear weapon</li></ul>Her statement comes as the administration faces questions from international partners and lawmakers about the broader purpose of the operation after US strikes began early on Saturday. Leavitt defended the mission, saying that the campaign, referred to as “Operation Epic Fury”, has so far delivered strong results.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-president-trump-had-a-good-feeling-that-iranian-regime-was-going-to-strike-first-white-house-1772648217486">'President Trump had a good feeling that the Iranian regime was going to strike first': White House</a>&nbsp;“It’s fair to say that Operation Epic Fury has been highly successful up to this point,” she said during the briefing. Leavitt also addressed speculation about who might succeed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed without an officially confirmed successor. She said US intelligence agencies are reviewing reports suggesting that Khamenei’s second son, Mojtaba Khamenei, could potentially take over the position.&nbsp;“We’ve seen those reports as well, and our intelligence community is monitoring the situation closely. Ultimately, we’ll have to wait and see how it develops,” she told reporters. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic nearly 50 years ago, Iran has changed its supreme leader only once. Khamenei assumed the role in 1989 after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. During the briefing, Leavitt also accused Tehran of rejecting diplomatic options.According to her, Iran’s leadership chose not to pursue peace and instead prioritized advancing a nuclear weapons capability that could threaten the United States and its allies.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-strike-iran-s-isfahan-natanz-nuclear-sites-1772652585504/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-strike-iran-s-isfahan-natanz-nuclear-sites-1772652585504/embed</a>&nbsp;“Iran turned away from the opportunity for peace because the regime’s leaders were focused on developing nuclear weapons that could be used against Americans and our partners,” Leavitt said. Iranian officials have long rejected accusations that the country is building nuclear weapons. In the past, Khamenei repeatedly denied pursuing a bomb and argued that weapons of mass destruction are prohibited under Islamic teachings.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

White House outlines 'four objectives' behind US Strikes on Iran. What are they?

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration’s recent military campaign against Iran is guided by four main objectives, reiterating the government’s message as allies seek clarity on the strategy behind the weekend strikes. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday (March 4), Leavitt outlined the administration’s goals: eliminating Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, crippling the country’s naval forces in the region, dismantling militant proxy groups linked to Tehran, and ensuring Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon. What are the four objectives of the US in attacking Iran? Destroy the Iranian regime’s ballistic missile program "Annihilate” Iran’s naval presence in the region Dismantle Iran’s terrorist proxies, which have been responsible for attacks on US coalition forces and contributed to destabilisation in the region Prevent Iran from further pursuing a nuclear weapon Her statement comes as the administration faces questions from international partners and lawmakers about the broader purpose of the operation after US strikes began early on Saturday. Leavitt defended the mission, saying that the campaign, referred to as “Operation Epic Fury”, has so far delivered strong results. Also Read: 'President Trump had a good feeling that the Iranian regime was going to strike first': White House “It’s fair to say that Operation Epic Fury has been highly successful up to this point,” she said during the briefing. Leavitt also addressed speculation about who might succeed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed without an officially confirmed successor. She said US intelligence agencies are reviewing reports suggesting that Khamenei’s second son, Mojtaba Khamenei, could potentially take over the position. “We’ve seen those reports as well, and our intelligence community is monitoring the situation closely. Ultimately, we’ll have to wait and see how it develops,” she told reporters. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic nearly 50 years ago, Iran has changed its supreme leader only once. Khamenei assumed the role in 1989 after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. During the briefing, Leavitt also accused Tehran of rejecting diplomatic options. According to her, Iran’s leadership chose not to pursue peace and instead prioritized advancing a nuclear weapons capability that could threaten the United States and its allies. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-strike-iran-s-isfahan-natanz-nuclear-sites-1772652585504/embed “Iran turned away from the opportunity for peace because the regime’s leaders were focused on developing nuclear weapons that could be used against Americans and our partners,” Leavitt said. Iranian officials have long rejected accusations that the country is building nuclear weapons. In the past, Khamenei repeatedly denied pursuing a bomb and argued that weapons of mass destruction are prohibited under Islamic teachings. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

White House says US strikes on Iran aim to destroy missile capabilities, weaken naval forces, dismantle proxies, and stop nuclear weapons development

The White House declined on Wednesday (March 4) to definitively rule out US involvement in a reported strike on a girls’ elementary school in southern Iran, while maintaining that the United States does not deliberately target civilians. During a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether the US was responsible for the strike in Minab, which Iranian state media claims left more than 100 people dead. “Not that we know of,” she responded. Leavitt added that US forces are targeting what she described as the “rogue Iranian regime,” asserting that it “uses propaganda quite effectively, and unfortunately, many people in this room have fallen for that propaganda.”&nbsp;Leavitt also addressed concerns about US military readiness, stating that the country has sufficient resources to sustain a prolonged conflict with Iran, despite earlier remarks from President Donald Trump suggesting stockpiles were not as robust as he would like.&nbsp;“The United States of America has more than enough capability to not only successfully execute Operation Epic Fury, but to go much further,” she said during the briefing. “And we have weapon stockpiles in places that many in this world don’t even know about.” Earlier in the week, Trump wrote on Truth Social that “we have a good supply, but are not where we want to be,” prompting questions about US weapons reserves. Defense industry executives are expected at the White House on Friday as part of efforts to boost production.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leavitt contended that Trump’s remarks were aimed at the previous administration, arguing that he was referring to weapons sent to Ukraine. “The president was pointing out that, unfortunately, we had a very stupid and incompetent leader in this White House for four years who gave away many of our best weapons for nothing,” she said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leave-iraq-now-us-embassy-asks-americans-as-tensions-soar-with-iran-war-1772649313069">Leave Iraq now, US embassy asks Americans as tensions soar with Iran</a>&nbsp;On the question of deploying US ground forces in Iran, Leavitt said that option is not currently under consideration.“They’re not part of the plan for this operation at this time, but I certainly will never take away military options on behalf of the president of the United States or the commander in chief, and he wisely does not do the same for himself,” she said. Her remarks followed statements from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, who indicated that US forces would begin “striking progressively deeper into Iranian territory.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also cautioned that the military campaign remains in its early stages.&nbsp;The administration signaled that while regime change in Iran could be a byproduct of the conflict, it is not the central aim of the operation. “The goals of this operation have been made very clear … and the president has said them in his speech when he launched this operation and released that video in the middle of the night to all of you and to the world,” Leavitt said.&nbsp;She outlined the administration’s primary objectives as dismantling Iran’s Navy, missile systems, and nuclear program, and preventing Tehran from supporting proxy groups. Although she suggested that removing Iranian leaders would be welcomed, she clarified that it is not among the four principal goals. “Obviously, as the president has said numerous times, do we want to see Iran being led by a rogue terrorist regime? No, of course, not,” she said. “So any day the United States of America is taking out a terrorist is a good day for our country and a good day for our people.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-iran-israel-warns-iran-s-next-leader-could-be-target-for-elimination-wion-1772651684770/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-iran-israel-warns-iran-s-next-leader-could-be-target-for-elimination-wion-1772651684770/embed</a>&nbsp;Leavitt added that Trump is “actively considering and discussing with his advisers” the US role in Iran once the conflict concludes, but emphasized that his immediate priority is “ensuring the quick and effective success of the operation.”According to Leavitt, Trump ordered the strikes based on what she described as a strong sense that Iran was preparing to attack the United States.&nbsp;“The president was faced with a choice: Does the United States of America use our military and our capabilities to strike first to take out this threat that has been threatening our country and our people for 47 years, or is he going to — as commander-in-chief, sit back and watch as the rogue Iranian regime attacks our people in the region?” she said.&nbsp;She characterized inaction as an “unacceptable” course from Trump’s perspective, suggesting that this reasoning drove his decision to initiate military action. Leavitt said the specific timing of the strikes was influenced by intelligence about the whereabouts of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials.“That obviously had an impact on the timeline of the operation, but not quite the president’s decision in its entirety,” she said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

'President Trump had a good feeling that Iranian regime was going to strike first': White House

The White House declined on Wednesday (March 4) to definitively rule out US involvement in a reported strike on a girls’ elementary school in southern Iran, while maintaining that the United States does not deliberately target civilians. During a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether the US was responsible for the strike in Minab, which Iranian state media claims left more than 100 people dead. “Not that we know of,” she responded. Leavitt added that US forces are targeting what she described as the “rogue Iranian regime,” asserting that it “uses propaganda quite effectively, and unfortunately, many people in this room have fallen for that propaganda.” Leavitt also addressed concerns about US military readiness, stating that the country has sufficient resources to sustain a prolonged conflict with Iran, despite earlier remarks from President Donald Trump suggesting stockpiles were not as robust as he would like. “The United States of America has more than enough capability to not only successfully execute Operation Epic Fury, but to go much further,” she said during the briefing. “And we have weapon stockpiles in places that many in this world don’t even know about.” Earlier in the week, Trump wrote on Truth Social that “we have a good supply, but are not where we want to be,” prompting questions about US weapons reserves. Defense industry executives are expected at the White House on Friday as part of efforts to boost production. Leavitt contended that Trump’s remarks were aimed at the previous administration, arguing that he was referring to weapons sent to Ukraine. “The president was pointing out that, unfortunately, we had a very stupid and incompetent leader in this White House for four years who gave away many of our best weapons for nothing,” she said. Also Read: Leave Iraq now, US embassy asks Americans as tensions soar with Iran On the question of deploying US ground forces in Iran, Leavitt said that option is not currently under consideration. “They’re not part of the plan for this operation at this time, but I certainly will never take away military options on behalf of the president of the United States or the commander in chief, and he wisely does not do the same for himself,” she said. Her remarks followed statements from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, who indicated that US forces would begin “striking progressively deeper into Iranian territory.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also cautioned that the military campaign remains in its early stages. The administration signaled that while regime change in Iran could be a byproduct of the conflict, it is not the central aim of the operation. “The goals of this operation have been made very clear … and the president has said them in his speech when he launched this operation and released that video in the middle of the night to all of you and to the world,” Leavitt said. She outlined the administration’s primary objectives as dismantling Iran’s Navy, missile systems, and nuclear program, and preventing Tehran from supporting proxy groups. Although she suggested that removing Iranian leaders would be welcomed, she clarified that it is not among the four principal goals. “Obviously, as the president has said numerous times, do we want to see Iran being led by a rogue terrorist regime? No, of course, not,” she said. “So any day the United States of America is taking out a terrorist is a good day for our country and a good day for our people.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-iran-israel-warns-iran-s-next-leader-could-be-target-for-elimination-wion-1772651684770/embed Leavitt added that Trump is “actively considering and discussing with his advisers” the US role in Iran once the conflict concludes, but emphasized that his immediate priority is “ensuring the quick and effective success of the operation.” According to Leavitt, Trump ordered the strikes based on what she described as a strong sense that Iran was preparing to attack the United States. “The president was faced with a choice: Does the United States of America use our military and our capabilities to strike first to take out this threat that has been threatening our country and our people for 47 years, or is he going to — as commander-in-chief, sit back and watch as the rogue Iranian regime attacks our people in the region?” she said. She characterized inaction as an “unacceptable” course from Trump’s perspective, suggesting that this reasoning drove his decision to initiate military action. Leavitt said the specific timing of the strikes was influenced by intelligence about the whereabouts of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials. “That obviously had an impact on the timeline of the operation, but not quite the president’s decision in its entirety,” she said. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday (March 4) said that the regime in Iran has come to an absolute end and that Iran's terrorist leaders are now paying the price of chanting ‘death to America’

The Trump administration unveiled updated federal dietary guidelines on Wednesday (January 7), urging Americans to increase protein intake, sharply cut sugar consumption, and steer clear of heavily processed foods in pursuit of better health. The new recommendations align with the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, a movement closely associated with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Alongside Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Kennedy has advanced MAHA priorities that include limiting access to unhealthy foods in federal assistance programs and challenging longstanding public health policies.&nbsp;Issued jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, the dietary guidelines are revised every five years and influence everything from school lunches to medical advice nationwide.Kennedy said the updated guidance reflects a push to reduce the role of food industry interests and simplify nutrition advice for the public. Among the most notable changes is a stronger warning against consuming added sugars and highly processed foods, which administration officials link to rising rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minneapolis-immigration-crackdown-ice-agent-shoots-and-kills-woman-1767809270151">Minneapolis immigration crackdown: ICE agent shoots and kills woman</a>&nbsp;“At long last, the federal government is taking a firm stand against added sugar,” Kennedy said during a White House briefing. Despite the changes, several core recommendations remain unchanged. The guidance continues to emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and still advises limiting saturated fat to no more than 10% of daily calorie intake.&nbsp;Kennedy argued that following the new guidelines could help curb healthcare spending, a politically significant issue for Republicans as the 2026 midterm elections approach. He said diets centered on whole, nutrient-rich foods offer a practical path to improving health while reducing medical costs. The MAHA Commission, chaired by Kennedy, has also proposed overhauling how future dietary guidelines are developed, including changes to the advisory committee that shapes them. Critics have long accused the committee of being too closely tied to food industry interests. Notably, the panel that advised on the current guidelines was appointed under former President Joe Biden.<h2>Higher protein, lower sugar</h2>The revised guidelines recommend adults consume between 1.2 and 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, significantly higher than the previous standard of 0.8 grams. They also reverse decades of advice favoring low-fat dairy, now endorsing full-fat dairy products. Dairy industry groups have long argued that low-fat guidance unfairly hurts farmers and lacks strong scientific backing.&nbsp;Another change removes explicit daily alcohol limits. Instead of specifying one or two drinks per day, the guidelines now broadly advise adults to drink less alcohol to improve overall health. A White House official said the recommendations are grounded in credible science and are expected to improve long-term public health outcomes.The American Medical Association welcomed the focus on reducing processed foods, sugary drinks, and excess sodium, citing their role in fueling obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Meanwhile, the School Nutrition Association noted that schools already comply with federal standards but need additional resources and training to expand fresh, scratch-made meals.<h3>Strong warning on processed foods</h3>The guidelines state that added sugars and non-nutritive sweeteners have no role in a healthy diet and recommend keeping added sugar below 10 grams per meal if consumed at all. Earlier guidance allowed limited sugar use as long as daily intake stayed under 10% of calories.&nbsp;Foods containing artificial flavors, dyes, and low-calorie sweeteners are discouraged. Several major food companies have begun reformulating products in response to the administration’s stance. Beverage companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and snack producer Mondelez, along with European firms Nestlé and Danone, have faced heightened scrutiny from Kennedy. The American Beverage Association countered that most drinks sold today contain little or no sugar and argued that discouraging sugar-free beverages is unrealistic.&nbsp;While the guidelines stop short of addressing “ultra-processed” foods directly, federal agencies say they are working on a formal definition. Researchers worldwide have linked ultra-processed foods—often made with industrial additives—to higher risks of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

'More protein, less sugar': Trump administration overhauls US dietary guidelines

The Trump administration unveiled updated federal dietary guidelines on Wednesday (January 7), urging Americans to increase protein intake, sharply cut sugar consumption, and steer clear of heavily processed foods in pursuit of better health. The new recommendations align with the administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, a movement closely associated with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Alongside Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Kennedy has advanced MAHA priorities that include limiting access to unhealthy foods in federal assistance programs and challenging longstanding public health policies. Issued jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, the dietary guidelines are revised every five years and influence everything from school lunches to medical advice nationwide. Kennedy said the updated guidance reflects a push to reduce the role of food industry interests and simplify nutrition advice for the public. Among the most notable changes is a stronger warning against consuming added sugars and highly processed foods, which administration officials link to rising rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Also Read: Minneapolis immigration crackdown: ICE agent shoots and kills woman “At long last, the federal government is taking a firm stand against added sugar,” Kennedy said during a White House briefing. Despite the changes, several core recommendations remain unchanged. The guidance continues to emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and still advises limiting saturated fat to no more than 10% of daily calorie intake. Kennedy argued that following the new guidelines could help curb healthcare spending, a politically significant issue for Republicans as the 2026 midterm elections approach. He said diets centered on whole, nutrient-rich foods offer a practical path to improving health while reducing medical costs. The MAHA Commission, chaired by Kennedy, has also proposed overhauling how future dietary guidelines are developed, including changes to the advisory committee that shapes them. Critics have long accused the committee of being too closely tied to food industry interests. Notably, the panel that advised on the current guidelines was appointed under former President Joe Biden. Higher protein, lower sugar The revised guidelines recommend adults consume between 1.2 and 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, significantly higher than the previous standard of 0.8 grams. They also reverse decades of advice favoring low-fat dairy, now endorsing full-fat dairy products. Dairy industry groups have long argued that low-fat guidance unfairly hurts farmers and lacks strong scientific backing. Another change removes explicit daily alcohol limits. Instead of specifying one or two drinks per day, the guidelines now broadly advise adults to drink less alcohol to improve overall health. A White House official said the recommendations are grounded in credible science and are expected to improve long-term public health outcomes. The American Medical Association welcomed the focus on reducing processed foods, sugary drinks, and excess sodium, citing their role in fueling obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Meanwhile, the School Nutrition Association noted that schools already comply with federal standards but need additional resources and training to expand fresh, scratch-made meals. Strong warning on processed foods The guidelines state that added sugars and non-nutritive sweeteners have no role in a healthy diet and recommend keeping added sugar below 10 grams per meal if consumed at all. Earlier guidance allowed limited sugar use as long as daily intake stayed under 10% of calories. Foods containing artificial flavors, dyes, and low-calorie sweeteners are discouraged. Several major food companies have begun reformulating products in response to the administration’s stance. Beverage companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and snack producer Mondelez, along with European firms Nestlé and Danone, have faced heightened scrutiny from Kennedy. The American Beverage Association countered that most drinks sold today contain little or no sugar and argued that discouraging sugar-free beverages is unrealistic. While the guidelines stop short of addressing “ultra-processed” foods directly, federal agencies say they are working on a formal definition. Researchers worldwide have linked ultra-processed foods—often made with industrial additives—to higher risks of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Trump administration updates US dietary guidelines, calling for more protein, less sugar, full-fat dairy, and reduced reliance on processed foods

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in her press briefing on Wednesday (January 7), said that the US has maximum leverage in the governance of Venezuela. “We're continuing to be in close coordination with the interim authorities, and their decisions are going to continue to be dictated by the United States of America,” Karoline Leavitt said during the press briefing.&nbsp;White House also said that there are currently no troops on the ground in Venezuela. When asked about the security of oil workers in Venezuela, the White House said that Trump reserves the right to use the US military if necessary. Trump is also going to meet some of the oil executives on Friday. "The meeting is on Friday, and it's just a meeting to discuss, obviously, the immense opportunity that is before these oil companies right now," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. &nbsp;Earlier in the day, the United States seized a second oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, according to the US Southern Command. This marks a further intensification of Washington's crackdown on illegal maritime oil trafficking. The tanker, named M/T Sophia, was intercepted during a pre-dawn operation in international waters. US authorities have labeled the vessel as a stateless, sanctioned "dark fleet" ship allegedly engaged in illicit activities. The US Coast Guard has since taken control of the tanker and is escorting it to the United States, where further decisions will be made regarding its future.&nbsp;The White House also said that an oil tanker intercepted by US forces in the North Atlantic was not legitimately registered as a Russian vessel and was classified as stateless after falsely claiming a national flag. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the ship was part of a Venezuelan “shadow fleet” involved in transporting oil under sanctions. She said the tanker was seized under a judicial order, and as a result, its crew now faces potential prosecution. &nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-you-may-be-deported-us-cautions-international-students-against-violation-of-laws-details-on-advisory-1767799946678">'You may be deported': US cautions international students against violation of laws. Details on advisory</a>&nbsp;According to Southern Command, the operation was a joint effort between the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. US officials highlighted that the tanker lacked a valid national registry at the time of its interception, leading to its designation as stateless under international maritime law. This seizure follows a months-long pursuit of a different tanker, previously known as Marinera. That vessel was targeted last month in the Caribbean for suspected involvement in transporting sanctioned oil linked to Iran and Venezuela. After evading an attempted boarding, the ship reportedly altered its course, changed its name, and re-registered under a Russian flag, after initially falsely claiming to be registered in Guyana.

'US has 'maximum leverage' in governance of Venezuela': White House

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in her press briefing on Wednesday (January 7), said that the US has maximum leverage in the governance of Venezuela. “We're continuing to be in close coordination with the interim authorities, and their decisions are going to continue to be dictated by the United States of America,” Karoline Leavitt said during the press briefing. White House also said that there are currently no troops on the ground in Venezuela. When asked about the security of oil workers in Venezuela, the White House said that Trump reserves the right to use the US military if necessary. Trump is also going to meet some of the oil executives on Friday. "The meeting is on Friday, and it's just a meeting to discuss, obviously, the immense opportunity that is before these oil companies right now," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. Earlier in the day, the United States seized a second oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, according to the US Southern Command. This marks a further intensification of Washington's crackdown on illegal maritime oil trafficking. The tanker, named M/T Sophia, was intercepted during a pre-dawn operation in international waters. US authorities have labeled the vessel as a stateless, sanctioned "dark fleet" ship allegedly engaged in illicit activities. The US Coast Guard has since taken control of the tanker and is escorting it to the United States, where further decisions will be made regarding its future. The White House also said that an oil tanker intercepted by US forces in the North Atlantic was not legitimately registered as a Russian vessel and was classified as stateless after falsely claiming a national flag. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the ship was part of a Venezuelan “shadow fleet” involved in transporting oil under sanctions. She said the tanker was seized under a judicial order, and as a result, its crew now faces potential prosecution. Also Read: 'You may be deported': US cautions international students against violation of laws. Details on advisory According to Southern Command, the operation was a joint effort between the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. US officials highlighted that the tanker lacked a valid national registry at the time of its interception, leading to its designation as stateless under international maritime law. This seizure follows a months-long pursuit of a different tanker, previously known as Marinera. That vessel was targeted last month in the Caribbean for suspected involvement in transporting sanctioned oil linked to Iran and Venezuela. After evading an attempted boarding, the ship reportedly altered its course, changed its name, and re-registered under a Russian flag, after initially falsely claiming to be registered in Guyana.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, during a press briefing on Wednesday (January 7), said that currently there are no troops in Venezuela and that the US has maximum leverage in the governance of Venezuela