Washington, D.C. – June 04, 2025, 07:42 AM ET – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s fashion choices have ignited a fiery debate across America, with her bold style dividing opinions from social media to the briefing room, as the 27-year-old’s wardrobe becomes a lightning rod for both praise and criticism. Leavitt, the youngest press secretary in U.S. history, has been a focal point since taking the podium in January 2025, but her custom suits and vibrant looks—designed by Christopher Cuozzo—have now taken center stage, revealing deeper tensions about her public image.
Leavitt’s fashion first drew attention in May 2025, when Cuozzo revealed to Business Insider that her “MAGA red” suit featured a hidden American flag lining, a patriotic nod that thrilled supporters but irked detractors. Her preference for monochromatic pantsuits, spandex tops, and bold dresses, as noted by WWD, has been praised for its modernity—Cuozzo told The US Sun she’s “not afraid of color”—yet criticized for lacking sophistication. A June 03 post on X by @TheListDaily slammed her latest lime green blazer as “ill-fitting,” while @NickiSwiftCeleb noted her green sweater made her “dress older than she is,” reflecting her 32-year age gap with husband Nicholas Riccio, 59. Conversely, @NickiSwiftCeleb earlier praised her style transformation on May 30, calling it “one for the ages.”
The debate intensified when Leavitt’s comments on Fox News with Sean Hannity on May 28, advocating for redirecting funds from Harvard to trade schools promoting “American values,” clashed with posts on X accusing her of hypocrisy. @Suzierizzo1 on May 01 fumed, “Karoline Leavitt lecturing everyone to buy American while she’s wearing clothes made in China on a daily basis!” Her fashion, meant to project a “Made in USA” narrative, per WWD’s David Loranger, has instead fueled scrutiny, with critics like former Trump lawyer Ty Cobb dubbing her “creepy Karoline” on CNN’s OutFront on May 30, dismissing her substance amid her style controversies.
Supporters, however, see her wardrobe as a bold statement of individuality. Cuozzo’s designs, often embedding “secret messages” like the flag lining, resonate with MAGA fans, who admire her unapologetic flair. “Karoline’s style screams confidence—she’s a boss,” one X user wrote, echoing sentiments from May 16 The US Sun reports. Yet, the divide mirrors broader political rifts, with her fashion becoming a proxy for America’s polarized views on the Trump administration, where she’s both a “super mom” juggling Niko and work (Fox News, May 11) and a target of social media bullying (Daily Mail, May 27).
But here’s the twist: Leavitt announced on June 03 via Instagram that she’s auctioning her controversial lime green blazer, with proceeds going to the Wounded Warrior Project, a charity supporting injured veterans. “I hear the critiques—let’s turn it into something positive,” she wrote, aiming to raise $50,000 by month’s end. The move has softened some detractors, with one X user commenting, “Didn’t like the blazer, but this is classy—respect.” As Leavitt navigates her role and the fashion debate, her charitable pivot may just be the olive branch America didn’t expect, proving her style can do more than spark controversy—it can also spark change.