At just 27, Karoline Leavitt has skyrocketed from scooping ice cream in a New Hampshire hometown to standing at the White House podium as the bold, unapologetic voice of the Trump administration.
Once a journalism hopeful, she’s now one of the media’s fiercest critics and a rising Gen Z icon on the conservative stage.
But her latest jab at President Joe Biden has sparked serious backlash, with critics calling her ”rude” and ”disrespectful.”
Here’s how the once small-town girl turned Washington firebrand stirred up a new political storm — and why her comment is lighting up social media.
Former President Joe Biden made a rare public appearance this week to speak out on Social Security — and while many tuned in to hear his message, it was a jab from the current White House press secretary that stole the spotlight and set off a wave of backlash.
Karoline Leavitt, 27, the youngest press secretary in U.S. history and a known Trump loyalist, didn’t hold back when asked about Biden’s speech.
“My first reaction when I saw former President Biden was speaking tonight was surprise I didn’t expect him to be up this late,” Leavitt remarked. “I thought his bedtime came well before this hour.”
The jab, clearly targeting Biden’s age, quickly sparked a wave of reactions across social media.
Crossing the line?
While Leavitt did shift to a more policy-oriented message highlighting Donald Trump’s pledge to safeguard Social Security it was her opening remark that stole the spotlight.
“President Trump is firmly committed to protecting Social Security for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have contributed to it over the years,” she stated. “He defended it during his first term, and he’s returning to ensure it remains protected.”
Yet for many, her initial comment was a step too far overshadowing her policy points with what some called a display of poor judgment.
“No class at all…”
Responses across Facebook and Instagram were swift and critical.
“No class at all. Shame on you. How old is your HUSBAND? You’ll be hearing comments like that yourself soon enough,” one user wrote, referencing the 32-year age gap between Leavitt and her husband.
“Very rude. That’s a former President you’re talking about at least show some respect,” another added.
A more measured comment read, “I usually appreciate her bluntness, but this was just immature and disrespectful. I didn’t support President Biden, but he was still our President and still a human being.”
Other reactions poured in:
“Inappropriate.”
“So juvenile, disrespectful, and classless.”
“That was just wrong to say — totally unnecessary. But I’m not surprised coming from her.”
“Why are they always so rude and condescending? The finger-pointing, the name-calling — you’re a spokesperson, not auditioning for a reality show. It’s exhausting.”
Even some of Leavitt’s own supporters voiced disappointment. One Instagram user commented, “She usually does a great job, but I don’t think those remarks were appropriate. She should rise above that.” Another bluntly said, “Karoline, you crossed the line!”
Biden Fires Back at Trump
Speaking at a national conference hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) in Chicago, former President Biden made his first major public appearance since leaving office — and he didn’t hold back.
Addressing threats to Social Security, Biden said:
“They want Social Security to expire every five years — that was their proposal — unless Congress re-authorizes it. Who the hell do they think they are?”
Biden also highlighted his administration’s investment of nearly $2 billion to enhance customer service and reduce wait times for Americans relying on the program. He didn’t miss the chance to criticize Trump either, slamming the former president’s handling of the debt ceiling:
“The last time this guy had the job, he raised the debt ceiling after handing out a massive, reckless tax cut to the super-rich.”
According to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, “This is an all hands on deck moment, which is why President Biden’s voice in this moment is so important.”
Biden called out recent moves by the Trump administration, including mass layoffs at the Social Security Administration and controversial data-sharing plans involving Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Musk has called Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.”
Disability attorney Jason Turkish, who represents more than 30,000 clients, said anxiety is growing. “We go from Republican to Democrat, Democrat to Republican and there’s always been a belief that Social Security is just something we do not touch,” he said.
Still, Turkish noted the SSA has recently backed off some of the stricter ID requirements, calling it “a hopeful sign.”
I love America. You love it too”
Biden’s speech also followed up on his January 15 farewell address, where he thanked the American people after five decades in public service.
“I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands, a nation where the strengths of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure,” he said.
He ended with a call for unity and optimism:
“Now it’s your turn to stand guard. May you all be the keeper of the flame. May you keep the faith. I love America. You love it too. God bless you all. And may God protect our troops.”
As Biden re-emerges and political tensions heat up around Social Security, Karoline Leavitt’s words are likely to keep fueling debate — on both sides of the aisle.
