White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made her first appearance in the briefing room on Tuesday, marking a historic moment as the youngest person to ever hold the position at just 27 years old.
Leavitt, who has promised a fresh approach emphasizing transparency and engagement with non-traditional media, addressed reporters for the first time in her new role.
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However, instead of discussing her qualifications or policy approach, the hosts of The View sparked controversy by making comments about Leavitt’s appearance, drawing criticism from viewers and commentators who called their remarks sexist and dismissive.
During a segment discussing Leavitt’s appointment, The View co-host Joy Behar made a remark implying that Leavitt was selected for her looks rather than her experience.
“I think she’s probably been put in there because, according to Donald Trump, she’s a ‘10,’” Behar said. “You know that’s what it is!”
Joy Behar on The View just disgustingly accused Karoline Leavitt of only having a job due to her looks.
“Karoline Leavitt was only hired by Donald Trump because she’s a ’10.’ You know that what it is.”
This is false. Here’s a list of Karoline Leavitt’s qualifications:… pic.twitter.com/iTsIIqShKg
— Media Lies (@MediasLies) January 29, 2025
Even as another panelist mentioned Leavitt’s government background, the conversation continued in a dismissive tone, suggesting she would not have earned the position under a different administration.
Whoopi Goldberg also took issue with Leavitt’s remarks in her first briefing.
“I would like her to do homework. She said something yesterday that pissed me off, that was, ‘there will be no wokeness here.’ Let me explain, without that wokeness, you might not have that job,” Goldberg said.
Whoopi Goldberg has angry meltdown over Trump’s new Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“This young lady whose- this is her first job, I would like her to do a little homework. She said something yesterday that pissed me off.”
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) January 29, 2025
The comments quickly ignited backlash, with many criticizing the hosts for undermining Leavitt’s qualifications and reducing her appointment to her physical appearance.
Social media users pointed out the double standard, arguing that if a conservative commentator had made similar remarks about a liberal woman in office, there would have been widespread outrage.
“Well, to be fair, there’s not a chance in hell she got her job on The View because of her looks,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“If jobs are based on looks, how did these hosts get on air?” another user remarked.
Despite the dismissive tone of the discussion on The View, Leavitt’s resume demonstrates extensive experience in political communications.
Before being named White House press secretary, she served as the national press secretary for the Trump 2024 campaign.
She also worked as the communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and previously served as an assistant press secretary in the Trump White House.
Additionally, Leavitt has held roles in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence and was a spokesperson for a pro-Trump super PAC.
Leavitt holds degrees in communications and political science and has developed a reputation as a skilled and articulate conservative voice.
The incident is the latest in a history of The View targeting conservative women with personal attacks.
The talk show has previously drawn criticism for its treatment of figures such as Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Kayleigh McEnany, and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, often dismissing their accomplishments while championing liberal women in similar positions.
Despite the controversy, Leavitt remains focused on her role, stating during her first briefing that she intends to expand media access and include outlets that have been overlooked by previous administrations.
If her first appearance is any indication, Leavitt appears prepared to handle both the responsibilities of her position and the scrutiny that comes with it.
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