Karoline Leavitt, at just 27 years old, has risen quickly from scooping ice cream in her hometown of New Hampshire to becoming the outspoken voice of the Trump administration at the White House podium. Once aspiring to be a journalist, she is now a key critic of the media and a rising Gen Z star on the conservative stage. Her recent remark about President Joe Biden has sparked significant backlash, with many labeling it as “rude” and “disrespectful.”
Let’s dive into how Karoline Leavitt, a small-town girl who made it big in Washington, stirred up a new political storm and why her comment has become a hot topic on social media.
Former President Joe Biden recently made an unusual public appearance to discuss Social Security. While many listened to his message, it was Leavitt’s comment that captured the limelight and triggered a wave of criticism.
Leavitt, known for her loyalty to Trump and as the youngest press secretary in U.S. history, did not mince words when responding to Biden’s speech.
“My first reaction when seeing former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I’m shocked that he is speaking at nighttime,” she said. “I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight.” This remark, clearly targeting Biden’s age, rapidly gained traction across social media.
Is Respect Lacking?
Although Leavitt later made more substantial comments about policy, highlighting Donald Trump’s commitment to safeguarding Social Security, it was her initial quip that grabbed everyone’s attention.
“President Trump is absolutely certain about protecting Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have invested in this program,” she continued. “He will always protect this program. He campaigned on it. He preserved it during his first term and plans to continue protecting it.” Yet, many felt this policy discussion was overshadowed by what they perceived as a basic lack of respect.
“Very Rude…”
On platforms like Facebook and Instagram, people reacted strongly to Leavitt’s remarks.
“No class at all. Shame on you. How old is your HUSBAND? You’ll be saying the same thing not far away,” one user commented, referencing the age difference between Leavitt and her husband.
“Very rude. She’s talking about a former US President. He deserves at least respect!” said another.
“Although I typically appreciate her straightforwardness, this was immature and disrespectful,” added another. “I didn’t care for President Biden, but he was our President, and he is still a person.”
Reactions included: “Inappropriate,” “So juvenile, disrespectful, and classless,” and “Why do they always have to be so rude. This isn’t an audition. Sick of this.” Even some of her supporters weren’t pleased. An Instagram follower wrote, “She does a great job, but her comments are inappropriate.”
Biden Addresses Trump
At a national conference in Chicago, hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD), Biden addressed Social Security concerns. It was his first significant public appearance since leaving the office in January. He criticized proposals to let Social Security expire every five years unless Congress reauthorizes it, questioning, “Who the hell do they think they are?”
During his speech, Biden detailed his administration’s success in securing nearly $2 billion for improving customer service and reducing wait times, while condemning the previous administration for raising the debt ceiling after what he called a “profligate tax” cut to the wealthy.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the importance of Biden’s voice amid this crisis. Biden criticized recent moves by Trump’s administration, like mass layoffs at the Social Security Administration and controversial data-sharing initiatives involving Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Musk infamously referred to Social Security as “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.”
Disability attorney Jason Turkish, representing over 30,000 clients, noted growing anxiety among people. “We switch from Republican to Democrat, and there’s always a belief that Social Security is untouchable,” he mentioned. However, Turkish pointed out that the Social Security Administration recently relaxed some of its stringent ID requirements, describing it as “a hopeful sign.”
Biden’s Call for Unity
Biden’s remarks followed his January 15 farewell address, where he expressed gratitude to Americans after five decades of service. “I believe in the ideals for which this nation stands—a nation where the strength of our institutions and the character of our people matter,” he proclaimed.
Concluding with an appeal for unity and optimism, he said, “It’s your turn to stand guard. Be the keeper of the flame. Keep the faith. I love America. You love it too. God bless you all. And may God protect our troops.”
With Biden’s reemergence and heightened tensions over Social Security, Leavitt’s words are likely to keep fueling fierce debates. Did her comments cross the line? Or is she voicing what others are hesitant to say? One thing remains certain—in today’s political climate, even a single statement can spark a significant controversy.