Karoline Leavitt, once a small-town ice cream server with dreams of becoming a journalist, has quickly climbed the political ranks. Now 27, she stands as a vocal spokesperson for the Trump campaign, gaining traction as a prominent Gen Z conservative. But her recent jab at former President Joe Biden has sparked a wave of criticism, igniting debate over civility in political discourse.
Leavitt took the stage at a national conference in Chicago, where President Biden was delivering a speech focused on Social Security. When asked to respond, Leavitt led with a remark that many have since labeled ageist:
“My first reaction when I saw that former President Biden was speaking tonight was surprise—it’s past the time I thought he’d be asleep.”
The comment, referencing Biden’s age—he’s 81—circulated widely online, drawing both laughter and outrage. Though Leavitt also used her platform to highlight Donald Trump’s stance on Social Security, much of the public’s attention zeroed in on her opening remark.
“President Trump is firmly committed to protecting Social Security benefits for seniors and hardworking Americans who’ve paid into the system,” she said. “He prioritized it in his first term and intends to do so again.”
Still, her earlier comment triggered a flood of reactions on social media, where users criticized her for being disrespectful and lacking maturity. Some pointed to her personal life, questioning her credibility given her marriage to a man significantly older than her. One user wrote, “No class at all. Shame on you. How old is your HUSBAND?” Others called her tone “condescending,” “unnecessary,” and “tone-deaf.”
In addition to the controversy, Leavitt touched on Trump-era tax reforms and voiced concern over staffing issues and data-sharing developments at the Social Security Administration (SSA), some of which involve Elon Musk. Disability attorney Jason Turkish commented on the growing anxiety surrounding the SSA, describing recent attempts to relax strict identification requirements as a “hopeful sign” amid ongoing challenges.
Biden’s address, meanwhile, carried a tone of reflection, echoing themes from his farewell speech earlier this year. “I continue to believe in the principles that this nation represents,” he told the audience. “Now it is your responsibility to protect them… I cherish America. You do as well.”
As debates over Social Security heat up ahead of the 2024 election, Leavitt’s remark has intensified an already charged political atmosphere. While some view her as candid and unapologetic, others see her comment as emblematic of a growing lack of respect in public discourse. Either way, her words have once again reminded Americans how a single sentence can reignite deep political divides.
