“IT’S THOSE LIPS”: Trump Sparks Outrage After Comment About 27-Year-Old Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt
In what critics are calling “disturbingly inappropriate,” former President Donald Trump has ignited a political firestorm after making a suggestive comment about his 27-year-old campaign national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, during an off-script moment at a fundraising event in Palm Beach on Monday evening.
The former president, now the presumptive Republican nominee for 2028, was delivering what began as a standard stump speech to a room of donors and high-profile supporters at Mar-a-Lago. But midway through his remarks, Trump turned his attention to Leavitt, who stood off-stage, and declared:
“You see Karoline over there? Great girl, just amazing on TV. But let’s be honest — it’s those lips. Those lips win us votes, folks. That’s how we’re going to take the White House back.”
The room, which had just moments earlier burst into applause over Trump’s vow to “take down the radical left,” reportedly fell into stunned silence — before a few uneasy chuckles trickled in. Several attendees were seen exchanging glances. Aides quickly ushered Leavitt backstage.
“Not a Compliment — It’s an Insult”
The backlash was immediate.
Social media exploded within the hour, with hashtags like #ThoseLips and #TrumpSexism trending across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Threads. Critics from both political aisles condemned the comment as degrading, with many questioning how Trump continues to speak so cavalierly about women — especially those in his own inner circle.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) posted:
“He doesn’t respect women. Not on the campaign trail, not in the White House, and clearly not in his own staff. Disgusting.”
Even some Republicans expressed discomfort. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), a one-time Trump ally, said in a statement to The Hill:
“Karoline Leavitt is a brilliant communicator with a sharp political mind. She deserves more than to be reduced to her appearance by anyone — including the former president.”
Silence — Then Strategy?
The Trump campaign remained silent for over 24 hours, leading many to speculate whether internal tensions were boiling. As of Tuesday evening, Leavitt had not made a public statement, though sources close to the campaign reported she was “upset but composed” and had received apologies from senior Trump aides.
By Wednesday morning, however, the strategy shifted.
Trump himself addressed the controversy in a phone interview with Newsmax:
“It was a joke. Everybody laughed — well, almost everybody. Karoline is doing a fantastic job, and everyone knows I value loyalty and strength. She’s got both. She also has a sense of humor. Believe me.”
He then doubled down:
“It’s fake outrage. The media can’t stand a woman who’s young, conservative, and smart — and working for Trump.”
Who Is Karoline Leavitt?
Karoline Leavitt, born in 1997 in New Hampshire, has been a rising star in conservative media. She previously served as an assistant press secretary in the Trump White House before running for Congress in 2022. Although she lost that race, her performance impressed GOP strategists, and in 2023 she was tapped to become national press secretary for Trump’s comeback campaign.
Known for her sharp on-air rebuttals and fiery presence in cable interviews, Leavitt has become a staple on Fox News, Newsmax, and conservative podcasts. Her supporters hail her as the future of the Republican Party — articulate, photogenic, and unafraid of controversy.
But this week’s events have complicated her meteoric rise.
Feminism, Optics, and the MAGA Base
Political analysts warn that Trump’s comment could undercut his already tenuous support among suburban women — a demographic that helped swing the 2020 election to Joe Biden.
Ana Navarro, a political commentator on CNN, stated:
“If Trump thinks he can joke about a 27-year-old woman’s lips and win over undecided female voters in Arizona or Michigan — he’s delusional.”
Still, many in Trump’s base appeared unbothered. On right-wing forums and Truth Social, loyalists defended the comment as “light-hearted,” “classic Trump,” or even “flattering.” Some went further, mocking those offended as “woke crybabies.”
Will She Stay?
Perhaps the biggest question looming over the controversy: Will Karoline Leavitt stay on the campaign?
Insiders suggest yes — for now. One anonymous adviser told Politico:
“Karoline’s smart. She knows this is Trump being Trump. She’ll ride this out. But no doubt — it stung.”
Whether Leavitt will speak publicly, clarify her position, or pivot her role remains unknown. But for a campaign already fighting off legal battles, polling dips, and internal drama, the last thing it needed was Trump once again “saying the quiet part out loud.”
