President Donald Trump sparked widespread criticism after making personal comments about White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a Friday night interview, August 1, with Newsmax host Rob Finnerty. Trump praised the 27-year-old press secretary’s appearance, specifically commenting on her face, brain, and lips.
During the interview, Trump described Leavitt as having become a star in her role. He indicated that what he likes about her includes her face, brain, and the way her lips move, comparing their movement to a machine gun. Trump also stated, “I don’t think anybody has ever had a better press secretary than Karoline.”
The comments came in response to Leavitt’s own effusive praise of Trump during a White House press briefing on Thursday. She had claimed that Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic efforts, alleging that he had brokered approximately one peace deal or ceasefire per month during his six months in office. Leavitt pointed to Trump’s alleged involvement in resolving conflicts between various countries, including Thailand and Cambodia, Israel and Iran, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia.
Leavitt made history in January 2025 when she became the youngest White House press secretary ever at age 27. She previously worked as a presidential speechwriter and assistant press secretary during Trump’s first administration. The New Hampshire native graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in communications and politics, where she founded the college’s first broadcasting club.
Before joining the White House, Leavitt ran for election as a congressional candidate for New Hampshire’s first district in 2022. She also interned at Fox News during the 2016 presidential election and worked at Hearst Television WMUR-TV during college. Leavitt married 59-year-old real estate developer Nicholas Riccio in January 2025, shortly before Trump’s second inauguration.
The President’s remarks about his press secretary generated immediate backlash across social media platforms. Critics described Trump’s language as uncomfortable, creepy, and unprofessional. Many users pointed out that such comments about a subordinate employee would typically constitute workplace sexual harassment in most professional settings. Some compared the tone to past controversies and questioned whether mainstream media would address the remarks.
Several social media users connected Trump’s comments to ongoing controversies surrounding his past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Critics suggested the remarks reflected a pattern of commenting on women’s physical appearance rather than their professional qualifications. The controversy intensified amid ongoing calls for the release of Epstein-related documents, with some users drawing parallels between Trump’s language and his past associations.
Supporters of Trump defended the president’s comments, arguing that he was simply expressing appreciation for Leavitt’s communication skills and performance in the challenging role of press secretary. They highlighted her youth, intelligence, and ability to effectively defend the administration’s policies during press briefings.
Throughout her tenure, Leavitt has been known for her strict enforcement of Trump administration messaging and fierce defense of the president’s policies. She has gained attention for demanding that Trump receive international recognition. Her personal life, including her marriage to a man 32 years her senior and her rapid political ascent, has also drawn public interest alongside her professional achievements.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about professional conduct and appropriate workplace commentary, particularly in high-profile government positions. Critics argue that Trump’s specific focus on his press secretary’s physical attributes crossed professional boundaries, while supporters maintain that his comments represented legitimate praise for effective job performance.
