Trump’s White Home Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt most likely didn’t count on her newest Instagram submit to spark a style firestorm. What was meant to be a innocent behind-the-scenes glimpse into her skilled life rapidly became a full-blown social media debate.
The net dialog had little to do along with her coverage work — many of the noise was about her pink tweed outfit.
Leavitt, 27, is the youngest individual ever to function White Home Press Secretary. But, regardless of her age and generational ties to Gen Z, she’s being referred to as out for style selections some say make her look a long time older.
Her current submit, which reveals her confidently strolling into the White Home in a scorching pink tweed gown and matching footwear, reignited a recurring dialog about whether or not her type displays private style or the affect of her relationships and environment.
The folks within the feedback didn’t maintain again.
“Ahh look one other grandma outfit for her previous man!” one individual commented, taking a jab at her 60-year-old husband.
One other added, “What a silly outfit.”
The suggestions stored pouring in, with one observer posting, “My mother is 80 and has that gown Caroline,” whereas one other summed it up: “It’s giving grandma.”
Some even criticized how she walked writing, “Strolling in like a BOSS!!” whereas others mentioned, “I simply tripped her spacing of her stroll MAGA.”
The criticism didn’t come out of nowhere.
Leavitt’s visible evolution has been drastic — and really public. A resurfaced picture from her pre-Washington days has now gone viral, with followers and critics alike questioning whether or not they’re wanting on the identical one that now instructions the White Home briefing room.
The picture, displaying a carefree then-25-year-old at a basketball recreation, has sparked intense debate about transformation, authenticity, and the pressures of political stardom.
She initially posted the picture on Instagram on Could 27, 2023, throughout Sport 6 of the Boston Celtics versus Miami Warmth Japanese Convention Finals on the Kaseya Heart in Miami. The Celtics gained that evening by only one level — 104 to 103 — with a buzzer-beater that saved them from elimination. (The Celtics subsequently misplaced Sport 7 at house.)
However Leavitt wasn’t the story then — her outfit is now. Standing in a collection overlooking the sector, she wore white denims, a vivid inexperienced tank high, sandals, and carried a small cork purse. Her blond hair hung straight, her pores and skin noticeably sun-kissed. It was Miami in full impact.
That beachside, laid-back model of Leavitt now feels miles away from the polished, monochromatic political persona she’s fastidiously crafted.
The distinction is so stark, individuals are speculating whether or not this makeover is about greater than private progress. Some consider it’s tied to her new marriage to actual property developer Nicholas Riccio, who’s 33 years older. Married for lower than a yr, the couple’s age hole has fueled suspicions that Leavitt’s style evolution is extra about adapting to a social circle than skilled calls for.
Her present wardrobe leans arduous into matronly silhouettes, outsized attire, and head-to-toe black — selections that many say visibly age her. One two-photo collage shared on-line, displaying Leavitt in 2021 versus 2025, drew 1000’s of reactions.
Karoline Leavitt HATES these side-by-side images.
DO NOT REPOST, @PressSec doesn’t need folks seeing this. pic.twitter.com/MMC0o4w3oW
— DonkConnects ♻️™ (@donkoclock) June 25, 2025
Nonetheless, she has supporters. Some see her type as becoming for her position.
“Her gown is completely respectable for the white home! Depart her alone,” one consumer insisted. And never everyone seems to be throwing shade.
Nevertheless it’s not simply the tweed that’s conserving Leavitt within the highlight.
A current submit from June 28 reveals her posing within the Oval Workplace sporting a glossy black gown and matching pumps, her again turned as she glanced over her shoulder. The caption learn: “Have an amazing weekend, everybody!” Whereas some praised the look, others took it in a special path, drawing a stunning comparability to Monica Lewinsky.
Whether or not praised or picked aside, Karoline Leavitt is being watched intently — not only for what she says behind the rostrum, however for each sew of material she wears. She stands out as the face of Trump’s communications machine, however within the courtroom of public opinion, she’s additionally grow to be a case examine about how younger girls in energy are sometimes judged by their appears to be like simply as a lot as their phrases.