A reporter learned the hard way that the Trump administration isn’t playing games when it comes to maintaining order in the briefing room.
Things are different at the State Department these days.
And Marco Rubio’s spokeswoman just shut down a leftist reporter with this brutal comeback during her recent briefing.
A new standard of decorum
State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce wasn’t having it when Said Arikat of Al-Quds newspaper repeatedly interrupted her during the May 1 press briefing.
The veteran reporter, who has long been vocal on Palestinian issues, attempted to interject multiple follow-up questions while Bruce was trying to move on to other journalists in the room.
“Said, I’ve never had to do it and I will do it,” Bruce warned as the reporter continued talking over her.
When Arikat persisted with his interruptions, Bruce delivered a reality check that left the room stunned.
“This is not the fifth grade. This is the State Department of the United States. You’re here; it is a privilege,” Bruce stated firmly.
Her no-nonsense approach represents a stark departure from previous State Department briefings, where reporters often spoke over spokespeople without consequence.
Addressing Gaza humanitarian concerns
The exchange occurred during questions about humanitarian aid to Gaza. Bruce had just explained the administration’s position that aid should resume “as long as there are guarantees regarding looting and safety,” which she described as a reasonable standard.
When Arikat attempted to challenge this explanation by referring to past aid delivery patterns, Bruce maintained control of the room while still allowing him to eventually clarify his point.
“I will manage the room in any way that I need to,” Bruce told Arikat. “Don’t break my heart for needing to do it in a way that I’d prefer not to.”
A new era of diplomatic communication
Bruce’s handling of the briefing room reflects the Trump Administration’s broader approach to media relations – direct, unapologetic, and focused on maintaining authority.
The incident came during a briefing where Bruce announced that Secretary Rubio will temporarily serve as both Secretary of State and National Security Advisor following President Trump’s decision to move Mike Waltz to become UN Ambassador.
Throughout the 100-day mark briefing, Bruce repeatedly emphasized the administration’s diplomatic achievements, including the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, ongoing peace talks for Ukraine, and the release of 47 Americans who had been detained abroad.
Bruce’s unwavering composure demonstrates that the State Department under Secretary Rubio won’t tolerate the kind of disruptive behavior that became commonplace during previous administrations.
Related posts:
Tulsi Gabbard crushed Deep State traitors with this bombshell announcement that left Democrats panic-stricken
Tom Homan just delivered this jaw-dropping message that has illegal aliens packing their bags
