White House Press Secretary Asked About Medal of Freedom for 'Big Balls' Coristine

Washington D.C. – During a White House press briefing on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, conservative commentator Benny Johnson posed an unusual question to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, inquiring if President Donald Trump would consider awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Edward "Big Balls" Coristine. The query, delivered from the "new media seat" in the briefing room, quickly garnered widespread attention and mockery across social media platforms.

Johnson's question stemmed from a recent carjacking incident involving Coristine, a 19-year-old former staffer for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), in Washington D.C. President Trump had previously highlighted Coristine's assault on his Truth Social account, using the incident to underscore his concerns about rising crime in the nation's capital and announcing federal law enforcement deployments. Johnson, known for his strong conservative views, framed Coristine's experience as "heroic actions."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the unconventional inquiry with a laugh, stating, "I haven’t spoken to him about that, but perhaps it’s something he would consider. I’ll ask him and get back to you, Benny." Her reply, while non-committal, suggested the administration might entertain the idea.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States' highest civilian honor, bestowed by the President for "especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." Past recipients include distinguished figures across various fields, such as civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, cultural icons like Mother Teresa and Denzel Washington, and athletes such as Michael Jordan. The award typically recognizes a lifetime of significant achievement.

Benny Johnson, a prominent American political commentator and YouTuber, is known for his "MAGA" commentary and often uses his platform to advocate for conservative causes. He holds a "new media seat" in the White House briefing room, a position established to provide access to non-traditional news outlets. Johnson has previously faced scrutiny, including being fired from BuzzFeed for plagiarism and, more recently, being identified as an unwitting victim in a Russian influence operation.

The suggestion of awarding the Medal of Freedom to Coristine, given the typical criteria for the prestigious honor, sparked considerable derision online. Social media users widely characterized the exchange as "bizarre" and "peak clown show," questioning the decorum of the briefing and the nature of the "new media" access.