At just 27, Karoline Leavitt has rapidly advanced from working at an ice cream shop in her New Hampshire hometown to becoming the outspoken press secretary for the Trump administration. Once aspiring to a career in journalism, she now stands as a prominent Gen Z figure among conservatives and a vocal critic of the media.
Recently, Leavitt drew significant backlash for a pointed comment directed at President Joe Biden, with many accusing her of being “rude” and “disrespectful.” Her remarks have ignited widespread debate online, highlighting her transformation from a small-town resident to a key player in Washington’s political scene.
During a rare public address by Joe Biden focusing on Social Security, Leavitt’s reaction quickly overshadowed the president’s message. When asked about Biden’s speech, she quipped, “My first reaction when seeing former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I’m shocked that he is speaking at nighttime. I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight”. This jab at Biden’s age immediately went viral on social media.
Although Leavitt later shifted to discussing policy—emphasizing Donald Trump’s pledge to safeguard Social Security for Americans who have contributed to the program—her initial comment continued to dominate the conversation. She stated, “President Trump is absolutely certain about protecting Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have paid into this program. He will always protect this program. He campaigned on it. He protected it in his first term, and he’s back again to continue protecting it.
Despite her policy statements, many felt her earlier remark reflected a lack of basic respect. Social media users criticized her tone, with some referencing the age difference between Leavitt and her husband, and others insisting that Biden deserves respect as a former president. Comments ranged from calling her “classless” and “juvenile” to expressing disappointment in her approach, even among her supporters.
Meanwhile, Biden used his speech at a national conference in Chicago to address Social Security concerns and criticize Trump’s previous actions regarding the program. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve services and condemned proposals that would require Social Security to be reauthorized every five years. Biden also criticized Trump for increasing the debt ceiling after enacting what he called excessive tax cuts for the wealthy.
Biden’s appearance follows his farewell speech in January, where he emphasized the enduring values of the nation and called for unity. As debates over Social Security intensify, Leavitt’s comments continue to fuel discussions across the political spectrum, raising questions about the boundaries of political discourse and the impact of even a single remark in today’s charged environment.