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.
Leavitt first made waves during the campaign trail, when she served as Trump’s national spokesperson. Known for her tough tone and unwavering loyalty, she stood by every word her boss said, no matter the backlash.
And just like Trump, she doesn’t hesitate to go after the media, often using his signature phrase: “fake news.”
One of the most talked-about moments from the White House press room so far came in late March — and it had all the makings of a viral showdown.
The drama kicked off when Raphaël Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament and France’s center-left Place Publique party, stirred controversy by suggesting the Statue of Liberty should be returned to France. His reason? That the U.S. no longer represents the values Lady Liberty was meant to stand for—accusing America of siding with ”tyrants.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t miss a beat.
Standing at the podium, Leavitt shut the idea down in classic Trump-era fashion.
She made it crystal clear that President Donald Trump would “absolutely not” return the iconic statue — originally a gift from France more than 140 years ago.
Then came the quote that set social media on fire.
“My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that it’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now,” Leavitt said during the briefing. “So they should be very grateful to our great country.”
“F**king disgusting”
Leavitt’s fiery clapback may have earned applause in some corners of conservative media, but online, her comments sparked an immediate uproar.
Social media lit up with reactions ranging from disbelief to outright outrage. Critics called her statement “insulting,” “shocking,” and even “f**king disgusting.”
Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia under President Obama and now a political science professor at Stanford, weighed in with a blistering critique.
“That is such a shocking, insulting statement about an ally from anyone, let alone a senior White House official,” McFaul wrote.
He didn’t stop there: “Who told her to say this? She obviously got it from somewhere,” he added. “I hope our @PressSec knows that it’s only because of the French that we have an independent United States of America.”
The photo she shared
But it wasn’t just Karoline Leavitt’s fiery words about France that stirred the pot —what really lit up social media was what she was carrying in a photo just days later.
Despite her strong rebuke of a French politician and her jab about World War II, Leavitt raised eyebrows when she posted an Instagram photo featuring none other than a Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM tote — one of France’s most iconic luxury handbags. The $2,030 accessory caught immediate attention.
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One commenter summed up the mood with a sarcastic swipe: ”Why have a Louis Vuitton bag if everything from France is so bad????”
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.
Although she has one of the most demanding jobs at the White House, when she gets home, that doesn’t matter. Speaking with the Christian Broadcasting Network, Leavitt said she is just like any other mom when she leaves her job and walks through the door at home.
“I spend every second that I possibly can with my son when I’m home on weekends and evenings. I try to make it home for bedtime as much as I can throughout the week,” she said, admitting that she finds it “challenging” to be a mother. “I think every working mother understands the demands. No matter where you are, what you’re doing, there is a sense of guilt,” Leavitt concluded.
So what do you think about the photo of Karoline Leavitt proudly sporting a pricey French handbag—straight from a country she recently slammed on the global stage? Is it a bold fashion flex or just a bit too ironic?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below — we want to hear what you have to say.
