Shirish Dáte — The Indian-origin journalist who refuses to back down against the White House

Shirish V. Dáte, a senior White House correspondent for HuffPost hit global headlines this week after a viral exchange with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who responded to his query on why President Donald Trump chose Budapest as the venue for a proposed Russia meeting with a dismissive “Your mom did”.

The remark — later shared online — drew criticism over the administration’s tone toward journalists and highlighted Dáte’s reputation for persistence in demanding answers.

Born in Pune, and raised in the United States, Dáte, has emerged as one of Washington’s most fearless political reporters — and one of the few who can still make the Trump administration see red.

A Stanford University graduate, Dáte built his career covering US politics for The Associated Press, The Atlantic, and National Public Radio before joining HuffPost, where he is known for his sharp, accountability-driven questioning style.

Dáte has long been a familiar figure in the White House briefing room, known for confronting officials head-on.

During Trump’s first term too, his pointed questions on judicial independence and foreign policy had drawn barbs from the former President himself.

Despite frequent clashes with the administration, Dáte remains unapologetic. “Feel better now? Now can you answer the question?” he replied to Leavitt’s insult — a line that captures both his wit and resolve.

In a political climate where press briefings are increasingly combative, Dáte stands out as a reminder that tough journalism still has its place at the White House.