Leavitt faces Trump-linked election dilemma in final Fox & Friends interview

In her final interview on Fox & Friends, departing press secretary Karoline Leavitt was confronted with questions about Donald Trump’s financial backing for a Texas fundraiser supporting Senate hopeful Ken Paxton. Leavitt declined to provide a specific dollar amount, citing her role as a White House employee, but affirmed that Trump intends to do whatever is necessary to help Republican candidates. The event is intended to bolster Paxton, who is currently in a close contest with Democrat James Talarico, a race that recent polls show as highly competitive.

Trump, who is not a candidate himself, is leveraging a $400 million MAGA Inc super-PAC and plans to appear at a two-day midterm convention in Dallas. GOP insiders warn that Trump’s low poll numbers and recent policy controversies could hurt some candidates despite his reputation as a turnout driver. The financial disparity between the candidates is stark, with Talarico outspending Paxton by a large margin. The fundraiser also includes a stop at NASA’s Johnson Space Center where Trump will present a Congressional Space Medal of Honor.