Trump admin live updates: Trump says Hamas will release hostage Edan Alexander

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked on Friday why the administration chose to abruptly fire the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden.

Hayden served in the position since 2016. She was the first African American and first woman to serve in the role. She was appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed in a 74-18 vote in the Senate.

"We felt she did not fit the needs of the American people," Leavitt said, claiming Hayden was pursuing DEI initiatives that the administration is opposed to and "putting inappropriate books" in the library.

"We don't believe that she was serving the interests of the American taxpayer well. So she has been removed from her position and the president is well within his rights to do that," Leavitt said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked if the 10% baseline tariff is going to remain in place after the deal announced with the United Kingdom on Thursday.

"The president is committed to the 10% baseline tariff, not just for the United Kingdom, but for his trade negotiations with all other countries as well," Leavitt said.

Asked to clarify if that tariff will remain in place after deals are done, Leavitt indicated yes.

"The president is determined to continue with that 10% baseline tariff," she said. "I just spoke to him about it earlier."

Reporters asked White House press secretary Leavitt if President Donald Trump's family members would accompany him on his trip to the Middle East.

Many of them have business interests in the region.

Leavitt fired back and claimed that "it's frankly ridiculous that anyone in this room would even suggest that President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit.

"This White House holds ourselves to the highest of ethical standards," she said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that New York City Mayor Eric Adams requested a meeting with President Donald Trump,

"The president was willing to take it. If the president wishes to discuss his private meeting afterwards, I will let him do that himself," she said.