White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has once again captured national attention after a forceful and articulate defense of President Donald Trump’s administration during a live interview with Good Morning America host Michael Strahan. The exchange, which took place early Monday morning, quickly went viral, with many praising Leavitt’s poise, confidence, and ability to counter mainstream media narratives.
Strahan, a former NFL star turned television host, pressed Leavitt on one of the Trump administration’s recent policy initiatives—its push to bring federal employees back to in-person work in Washington, D.C. Under the Biden administration, many federal employees had shifted to remote or hybrid schedules, with some agencies allowing staff to work from home for several days a week. The Trump administration has taken a hard stance on this issue, insisting that government workers should return to a traditional five-day workweek at their offices.
The discussion between Leavitt and Strahan became particularly intense when Strahan raised concerns about the potential impact of this policy on the federal workforce. He questioned whether the requirement to return to in-person work could lead to an exodus of experienced government employees, particularly in crucial fields such as science and medicine.
“But is there any concern we risk losing people with years of experience like doctors and — and let’s say scientists?” Strahan asked, clearly skeptical of the administration’s decision.
Leavitt, however, was unfazed by the question. She responded swiftly and decisively, arguing that the government’s responsibility is to serve the American people efficiently and effectively—something she suggested is best achieved when federal employees are physically present in their offices rather than working from home.
“With all due respect, Michael, the federal government is not a work-from-home experiment. The American people expect the officials they pay with their tax dollars to show up, collaborate, and provide the best service possible,” Leavitt fired back. “Doctors and scientists are incredibly important to our government, but they are public servants, and their job is to work for the people. If they feel so strongly about not coming to work in person, then perhaps they need to reconsider their roles.”
Her response appeared to catch Strahan off guard. He pressed further, arguing that many government agencies have successfully operated remotely over the past several years and that productivity levels in some departments have reportedly increased. However, Leavitt was quick to counter this narrative.
“Michael, let’s be honest here,” she continued. “During the past four years, what we’ve seen in Washington is a bloated bureaucracy that has taken advantage of lax work policies. There are agencies where employees have been logging in from their beach houses in Florida, answering a few emails, and calling it a day. That’s not what public service is about. President Trump has made it clear: If you have a federal job, you work in Washington. Period.”
Strahan attempted to push back, but Leavitt continued to take control of the conversation. She pointed out that major corporations, including some of the biggest names in tech and finance, have been rolling back remote work policies and requiring employees to return to the office.
“If America’s most successful businesses are recognizing the importance of in-person collaboration, why should the government be any different?” she asked. “Government workers should be held to the same standard as employees in the private sector. The taxpayers deserve a government that is efficient, accountable, and present.”
At this point, Strahan appeared somewhat frustrated, attempting to reframe the discussion by suggesting that flexibility in the workplace has been a major factor in attracting top talent to government roles. He cited examples of scientists and medical professionals who have stated that the ability to work remotely has improved their quality of life and work-life balance.
Leavitt, however, was unwavering in her stance.
“I understand that remote work is convenient,” she conceded. “But when you choose a career in government service, your primary responsibility is to the American people—not to your personal convenience. If the private sector can function efficiently with in-person work, so can the federal government. And let’s be clear—federal workers are not being asked to do anything that millions of everyday Americans don’t already do. Factory workers, police officers, nurses, teachers—they all go to work every day. Why should government employees be any different?”
By the end of the interview, Strahan seemed to have little room left for argument. While he made a final attempt to cast doubt on the policy’s long-term effectiveness, Leavitt confidently reaffirmed that the Trump administration would not waver on its decision.
“The president was elected to drain the swamp and restore accountability to Washington. This is part of that effort,” she concluded. “If you want a government job, you go to the office. It’s that simple.”
Following the interview, social media erupted with reactions to Leavitt’s performance. Many conservatives and Trump supporters praised her strong stance and ability to shut down what they viewed as an attempt to undermine the administration’s policy.
“She absolutely schooled Strahan,” one Twitter user wrote. “This is the kind of leadership we need in Washington—someone who isn’t afraid to speak the truth.”
Others applauded her ability to handle tough media questions with composure and confidence. “Karoline Leavitt is a rock star. The way she dismantled Strahan’s argument was incredible,” another user posted.
Meanwhile, critics of the Trump administration predictably took issue with Leavitt’s remarks, arguing that remote work has proven to be a viable and efficient model for many industries, including government. Some accused her of being out of touch with modern workforce trends and argued that the administration’s stance was unnecessarily rigid.
Despite the controversy, one thing is certain—Leavitt’s exchange with Strahan has cemented her growing reputation as one of the most formidable press secretaries in recent memory. With her sharp communication skills and unwavering loyalty to Trump’s agenda, she has proven that she is more than capable of handling the intense scrutiny that comes with her role.
As the administration moves forward with its plans to bring federal employees back to the office, the debate over remote work policies is likely to continue. However, if Leavitt’s performance on Good Morning America is any indication, she and the White House are more than ready to take on the fight.
