White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has quickly become one of the most talked-about figures in American politics hailed by some for her no-nonsense attitude, and criticized by others who say she takes things too far.
Not long ago, she found herself in the center of attention once again – this time after a photo and a fashion choice that had critics raising their eyebrows.
Donald Trump launched into his second term at full throttle — and it shows. Since returning to the White House on January 20, it’s been a whirlwind of headlines: new tariffs, mass deportation plans, clashes with universities, peace talks with Ukraine and Russia, market turbulence — and that’s just the beginning.
At his side is 27-year-old Karoline Leavitt, who returned to work just four days after giving birth. Now serving as Trump’s press secretary, Leavitt isn’t just the youngest to ever hold the role, she’s quickly becoming one of the most visible.
Most Talked-About Moment
Leavitt first gained national attention on the campaign trail as Trump’s fiery spokesperson. With a sharp tone and fierce loyalty, she stood firmly behind every word her boss uttered—no matter how controversial.
Much like Trump himself, Leavitt doesn’t hold back when it comes to the media, frequently invoking his go-to line: “fake news.”
One of the most buzzworthy moments from the White House press room came in late March and it had all the ingredients of a viral showdown.
The spark? Raphaël Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and France’s center-left Place Publique party, stirred outrage after suggesting the Statue of Liberty should be returned to France. His reasoning? He claimed the U.S. no longer upholds the values Lady Liberty symbolizes—accusing the country of siding with “tyrants.”
Leavitt’s Viral Firestorm
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t skip a beat.
Taking the podium with trademark Trump-era bravado, she swiftly shut down the idea of returning the Statue of Liberty to France — a suggestion made by European lawmaker Raphaël Glucksmann.
Leavitt was unequivocal: President Donald Trump would “absolutely not” give back the iconic monument, gifted by France more than 140 years ago.
Then came the line that exploded across social media.
“My advice to that unnamed, low-level French politician is to remember that it’s only because of the United States of America that the French aren’t speaking German right now,” she declared. “They should be very grateful to our great country.”
Online Outrage: “F**king Disgusting”**
While her fiery remarks won applause from some conservative corners, the backlash online was swift and intense.
Critics flooded social media, calling her statement “insulting,” “offensive,” and “f**king disgusting.”
Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia under President Obama and now a Stanford professor, didn’t hold back.
“That is such a shocking, insulting statement about an ally — especially from a senior White House official,” McFaul tweeted. “Who told her to say this? She obviously didn’t come up with that herself.”
He added pointedly: “I hope our @PressSec knows it’s only because of the French that the United States even exists as an independent nation.”
The Bag That Broke the Internet
As the controversy simmered, Leavitt reignited it days later with an Instagram post that raised more than a few eyebrows.
In the photo? A Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM tote — a luxury handbag from one of France’s most iconic brands, retailing for a cool $2,030.
The irony wasn’t lost on critics.
“Why carry a Louis Vuitton bag,” one commenter quipped, “if everything French is so terrible?”
Given that Louis Vuitton, founded in 1854, is practically a national symbol — right up there with the Eiffel Tower — the optics didn’t go unnoticed.
Still, while some pointed out the contradiction, plenty of her followers rushed to her defense.
”Absolutely stunning representation of our country! Thank you for what you do and for standing with President Trump!” one supporter gushed.
Another wrote: ”Wow, Karoline, you look fantastic. It’s good to see such professionalism in action.”
And a third added: ”Young, intelligent, and absolutely stunning. It’s so refreshing to see!”
Didn’t take the bait
But Leavitt didn’t take the bait. Instead of engaging in the handbag debate, she kept things personal and sweet, spending quality time with her young son over the weekend.
She shared an adorable photo of her toddler helping her in the kitchen with the caption: ”Sunday morning muffins with my sous chef.”
Later, she posted another heartwarming moment her son being pushed in a stroller by a great-grandparent, writing: ”Niko being pushed by his great grandma!”
As the internet argues over handbags and diplomacy, Karoline Leavitt appears unfazed focused on her job at the White House and the life she’s building at home.
Despite holding one of the most high-pressure roles in the White House, Karoline Leavitt says all of that fades the moment she walks through the door at home.
In an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network, Leavitt opened up about the balance between her public duties and private life, describing herself as “just another mom” once the workday ends.
“I spend every possible second with my son when I’m home — on weekends, in the evenings. I do my best to make it back in time for bedtime during the week,” she shared.
Leavitt admitted that motherhood, especially while working such a demanding job, comes with its challenges. “I think every working mom feels it — that constant pull, that sense of guilt, no matter where you are or what you’re doing,” she said.
