Nicolai Haugsted
Bad timing for Trump as controversial Leavitt remarks resurface after her exit.
Karoline Leavitt’s decision to leave the White House has put fresh attention on a series of remarks Donald Trump previously made about his outgoing press secretary.
Leavitt announced Wednesday that she will step down at the end of August to devote more time to her family following the birth of her second child, Viviana, on May 1.
Trump publicly backed the decision and praised the 28-year-old, who became the youngest White House press secretary in American history when she took the job.
Her departure, however, has also prompted critics to revisit comments from the president that previously attracted attention for their unusually personal nature.
Trump praises departing aide
Leavitt recently returned to the White House briefing room following more than two months of maternity leave. Her return on July 16 ultimately proved short-lived.
Trump announced her coming departure on Truth Social, describing Leavitt as a trusted member of his administration.
“Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!” Trump wrote.
He also called her “one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office” while thanking her for her work.
Attention surrounding the announcement soon stretched beyond Leavitt’s reasons for leaving, as previous comments Trump made about her began circulating again.
Comments about her appearance return to spotlight
Trump raised eyebrows during a Newsmax interview when asked to assess Leavitt’s performance.
Rather than limiting his response to her handling of the press operation, the president offered an unusually detailed description of her appearance and speaking style.
“She’s become a star. It’s that face. It’s that brain. It’s those lips. The way they move. They move like she’s a machine gun,” Trump said.
Reaction online at the time included criticism of the president for discussing the appearance of a much younger employee in those terms.
Leavitt has remained one of Trump’s most prominent public defenders throughout his second administration, frequently appearing before reporters to communicate the White House position on controversies and policy decisions.
Trump also made Leavitt the subject of another memorable aside during the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner last month.
Speaking about her performance as press secretary, Trump initially offered praise before choosing a rather different adjective.
“She’s done a fantastic job; she’s another one. She can be nasty!” he said.
Trump subsequently softened the remark by arguing that Leavitt’s confrontational role was sometimes necessary because of the demands of dealing with the White House press corps.
Her departure now closes a relatively brief but highly visible period behind the White House podium. Leavitt has said the decision is motivated by her desire to spend more time with her two young children following the birth of her daughter.
