Karoline Leavitt causes shockwaves with 'unbelievable' admission
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 4, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
March 09, 2026
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt refused to rule out mandatory conscription for the Iran military campaign during a Fox News interview Sunday, igniting immediate backlash. When asked about ground troop plans, Leavitt stated President Donald Trump, "wisely does not remove options off the table" and will, "continue to assess" the military operation's success. Though she insisted a draft is "not part of the current plan," her refusal to exclude it alarmed critics and activists. Progressive organization Call to Activism warned followers that the administration won't "promise your kids aren't next." Geopolitical commentator Mats Nilsson warned a draft would devastate GOP midterm prospects, particularly if children of Congressional and Ivy League families were conscripted. Political observers characterized the admission as a significant escalation signal, with critics interpreting the refusal to rule out conscription as indication that ground troops may be imminent.
Watch the video below.
This browser does not support the video element.