Karoline Leavitt has risen from scooping ice cream in her New Hampshire hamlet to standing on the White House stage as the Trump administration’s strong, unabashed voice.
Karoline Leavitt was once a journalist hopeful, but today she’s among the media’s harshest critics, as well as a rising Gen Z star on the conservative stage.
Yet, her newest attack at President Joe Biden has prompted significant outrage, with many labelling her “rude” and “disrespectful.”
Here’s how the once-small-town girl turned Washington firebrand sparked a fresh political tempest — and why her remark is trending on the social networks.
Former President Joe Biden made a rare public appearance to speak out on Social Security, and while many people tuned in to hear his message, it was a jab from the current White House press secretary that stole the show and sparked outrage.
Karoline Leavitt, 27, the youngest press secretary in US history and a known Trump supporter, did not mince words when questioned about Biden’s remarks.
“My initial thought when I saw former President Biden was coming tonight was, ‘I’m surprised he’s speaking at night,’” Leavitt added. “I assumed his bedtime was much sooner than his speech tonight.”
The insult, which was plainly directed at Biden’s age, quickly went viral on the internet.
Lack of fundamental respect?
While Leavitt went on to make a more policy-focused remark, focusing on Donald Trump’s commitment to preserve Social Security, it was her initial line that sparked discussion.
“President Donald Trump is completely committed to defending Social Security payments for law-abiding, tax-paying Americans and seniors who have paid into this program,” she stated.
He will always safeguard this program. He campaigned on it. He safeguarded it during his first term, and he’s returning to do the same now.”
Nonetheless, for many, this was insufficient to overcome what they saw as a lack of fundamental respect.
“Very rude.”
People on Instagram and Facebookdid not spare words in reaction to Leavitt’s tone.
“No classes at all. Shame on you. What age is your HUSBAND? “You will be saying the same thing not far away,” one reader said, referring to Leavitt’s spouse, who is 32 years her senior.
Extremely rude. She’s referring to a past US President. He deserves at least some respect!” Another individual wrote.
“Ok, so, although I normally admire her forthright approach, this was immature and disrespectful,” another said. “I didn’t like President Joe Biden, but he was still our President, and he remains a human.”
Other remarks included: “inappropriate.”
“It’s so childish, rude, and classless.”
“That is so foolish to say; there was no need! But I’m not shocked by you!”
“Why are they usually so nasty and condescending? Finger pointing and name calling. You are present as the spokesman. This is not an audition. “I am sick of this.”
Even some of her fans were unimpressed. One Instagram user remarked, “She does an excellent job, but I do not believe her comments are acceptable. Should be more than that.” Another person said, “Karoline, you crossed the queue!”.
Joy Biden’s message for Donald Trump.
Biden took advantage of a national conference organised by the Advocates, Counsellors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) in Chicago in order to address Social Security problems. It was his first significant public appearance after leaving government in January.
“They proposed allowing social security to expire every five years unless reauthorised by Congress. “Who the heck do they think they are?”
While Joe Biden praised his administration’s efforts so as to get nearly $2 billion to enhance customer service and reduce wait times, he chastised his predecessor for lifting the debt ceiling after providing what he termed a “profligate tax” reduction to the super-rich.
“The last time this person held the position, he increased the debt ceiling due to a large and wasteful tax on the really rich.” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries stated, “This is an all-hands-on-deck moment, which is why President Biden’s voice is so crucial.”
Joe Biden criticised recent Trump administration actions, including huge layoffs at the Social Security Administration and contentious data-sharing proposals involving Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Musk has described Social Security as “the largest Ponzi scam of all time.”
Jason Turkish, a disability attorney who represents over 30,000 clients, says worry is on the rise. “We move from Republican to Democrat, Democrat to Republican, and there’s always been a feeling that Social Security is something we don’t touch,” he explained.
However, Turkish highlighted that the SSA recently relaxed some of its more strict ID requirements, calling it a “hopeful indication.”
I love America. “You love it as well.”
Biden’s speech followed his farewell message on January 15, in which he thanked the American people for five decades of public service.
“I still believe in the notion for which this country stands, that the qualities of our institutions and the spirit of our people are important and must continue,” he added.
He concluded with an appeal to unity and optimism:
“Now it is your time to stand guard. May you all be keepers of the flame. May you retain the faith. I adore America. You enjoy it as well. God bless all of you. May God protect our soldiers.”
When Biden re-emerges and political tensions over Social Security rise, Karoline Leavitt’s statements are expected to ignite debate on both sides of the aisle.
Did she go too far in her comments? Or is she simply expressing what many people are thinking but are afraid to speak out loud? One thing is certain: in today’s political environment, even a single statement may ignite a firestorm.
