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 seeing former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I’m shocked that he is speaking at nighttime,” Leavitt said. “I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight.”
The dig, clearly aimed at Biden’s age, instantly exploded across social media.
Lack of basic respect?
While Leavitt did go on to make a more policy-focused statement — emphasizing Donald Trump’s commitment to protecting Social Security — it was her first sentence that had everyone talking.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
But for many, that wasn’t enough to overshadow what they called a lack of basic respect.
“Very rude…”
People across Facebook and Instagram didn’t mince words in response to Leavitt’s tone.
“No class at all. Shame on you. How old is your HUSBAND? You will be saying the same thing not far away,” one person wrote, referencing the fact that Leavitt’s husband is 32 years older than her.
“Very rude. She’s talking about a former US President. He deserves at least respect!” another person wrote.
“Ok, so, although I do usually like her blunt nature, however, this was immature and disrespectful,” another said. “I did not care for President Biden, but he was still our President, and he is still a person.”
Other comments included: “Inappropriate”
”So juvenile, disrespectful, and classless.”
”That is just so wrong to say, didn’t need! But I am not surprised from you!”
”Why do they always have to be so rude and condescending. Finger pointing name calling. You are there as the spokesperson. This isn’t an audition. Sick of this”
Even some of her fans weren’t impressed. One Instagram user wrote, “She does a great job, but don’t think her comments are appropriate. Should be above that.” Another added, “Karoline, you crossed the line!”
Biden’s message to Trump
Biden, speaking at a national conference hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) in Chicago, used the opportunity to address concerns about Social Security. It marked his first major public appearance since leaving office in January.
”They want to let social security expire every five years – that was a proposal – unless re-authorized by the Congress. Who the hell do they think they are?”
While Biden touted his administration’s move to secure nearly $2 billion to improve customer service and cut wait times, he slammed his predecessor for raising the debt ceiling after giving what Biden called a ”profligate tax” cut to the super-wealthy.
”Last time this guy had the job he raised the debt ceiling because of an enormous and profligate tax to the super wealthy.”
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.
Did she go too far with her comments? Or is she just saying what many are thinking, but won’t dare say out loud? One thing’s for sure — in today’s political arena, even a single sentence can spark a firestorm.
