The screenshot, shared on X on Monday, shows reporter SV Dáte asking Leavitt why US President Donald Trump is choosing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hungary.
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“Is the President aware of the significance of Budapest? In Budapest in 1994, Russia promised not to invade Ukraine if it surrendered the nuclear weapons it inherited when the Soviet Union collapsed. Does he not see why Ukraine could object to that location? Who suggested Budapest? Thank you,” Dáte Leavitt texted on October 16.
Leavitt responded conspicuously: “Your mother did that.” When Dáte texted Leavitt to ask if she thought the question was funny, the White House spokesperson slammed the reporter.
‘Extreme left-wing bastard’
“You’re a far-left twerp who doesn’t take anyone seriously, not even your colleagues in the media. They just don’t tell you that to your face. Don’t text me with your insincere, biased and nonsensical questions,” Leavitt texted Dáte.
Dáte eventually wrote a story about Leavitt’s response, which received national attention.
The White House spokesman said Monday that she shared the screenshot to show her “complete response” to Dáte’s question and provide “context” about him. She claimed that Dáte “is not a journalist interested in the facts.”
Dáte has been a reporter for thirty years and previously worked at the Associated Press, NPR and the Palm Beach Post. He wrote a book entitled “The Useful Idiot” about Trump’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Can you answer the question now?”
“Are you feeling better now?” Dáte responded to Leavitt on Monday. “Can you answer the question now? Please and thank you.”