Young girl inquires about the number of people President Trump has fired during a meeting with his press secretary.

The White House recently hosted a unique press briefing, coinciding with the celebration of “Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day.” On May 20, 2025, children of reporters and White House staff took turns asking questions, providing an unusual yet candid glimpse into the Trump administration from a youthful perspective.

Among the lighter inquiries, children wanted to know about President Donald Trump’s personal preferences. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded, stating that the president enjoys hugs, prefers “big, beautiful steak” as his favorite food, and likes ice cream sundaes topped with chocolate sauce. The children’s inquisitiveness extended to more personal topics, including who Trump might consider his favorite president apart from himself, to which Leavitt speculated it could be George Washington.

The atmosphere shifted dramatically when a four-year-old girl posed a more pointed question: “How many people has he fired?” This inquiry, although innocent, pointedly highlighted the president’s reputation, established during his first term, for a swift and decisive approach to dismissals within his administration. Leavitt humorously noted that, to date, no one had been fired, aside from one unidentified individual who “left their job.”

This remark comes as the Trump administration has faced scrutiny over its significant reductions in the federal workforce. In the first four months of Trump’s second term, tens of thousands of federal employees have reportedly been dismissed or have opted for buyouts, contributing to a reorganization effort led by the Department of Government Efficiency under high-profile tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. Though the White House has not disclosed the specific figures regarding these layoffs, a recent analysis indicated that approximately 12% of the federal civilian workforce—amounting to around 260,000 employees—has seen job cuts or resignations incentivized by buyouts.

Other questions posed during the briefing explored more whimsical themes, such as what superpower Trump would wish to possess, to which Leavitt humorously suggested he would desire the ability to “snap his fingers and solve all of our country’s problems.” The youthful press corps also inquired about the president’s candy consumption, leading to mentions of his fondness for pink Starbursts and Tootsie Rolls.

Leavitt faced a more politically charged question when asked about her least favorite news outlet, to which she playfully responded that it depends on the day, acknowledging the nuanced relationship between the press and the administration.

This engaging encounter in the White House briefing room serves to remind the public of the often-overlooked humane aspects of political figures, especially when viewed through the lens of childhood curiosity. The event encapsulates the intersection of politics and familial ties, reminding all involved of the broader implications of governance on daily lives.

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