A recent remark from the 36th White House press secretary about the former president’s return to the spotlight has sparked backlash and stirred debate over political decorum.
Karoline Leavitt made headlines with her blunt response to former President Joe Biden’s first public address since leaving office. His speech, delivered on April 15, 2025, focused on Social Security.
A netizen’s criticism on Karoline Leavitt’s remaks, dated April 15, 2025 | Source: Facebook/TND
In her statement, Leavitt remarked, “My first reaction when seeing former President Biden was speaking tonight was, I’m shocked that he is speaking at nighttime. I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a daily press briefing at the White House on April 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
The 27-year-old further stated, “I understand the topic of his speech will be Social Security. Let me make it very clear ahead of former President Biden’s remarks — President Trump is absolutely certain about protecting Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have paid into this program.”
“He will always protect this program. He campaigned on it. He protected it in his first term, and he’s back again to continue protecting it,” concluded Leavitt, who happens to be the youngest White House press secretary to date.
The first part of Leavitt’s statement — a jab at Biden’s age and energy — sparked widespread backlash across social media platforms, with many calling her words disrespectful and unprofessional.
On Facebook, several people condemned her tone. One person wrote, “Very rude. She’s talking about a former US President. He deserves at least respect!”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt takes a question during a daily press briefing at the White House on April 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
Another commented, “Ok, so, although I do usually like her blunt nature, however, this was immature and disrespectful. I did not care for President Biden, but he was still our President, and he is still a person [sic].”
One netizen said, “Inappropriate.” Another commenter added, “So juvenile, disrespectful, and classless.” One more person commented, “That is just so wrong to say, didn’t need! But I am not surprised from you [sic]!”
Karoline Leavitt is seen during a daily press briefing at the White House on April 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
On Instagram, reactions were equally strong. One person wrote, “She does a great job, but don’t think her comments are appropriate. Should be above that [sic].”
Another added, “Karoline, you crossed the line!” One netizen remarked, “So unnecessary for a person in her position to speak like this.”
Karoline Leavitt is pictured at a daily press briefing at the White House on April 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
Biden made a rare public appearance on April 15, 2025, delivering a speech at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) in Chicago. The event formed part of a nationwide Social Security Day of Action.
Former U.S. President Joe Biden speaks at a conference hosted by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) on April 15, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois | Source: Getty Images
At the conference, Biden criticized President Donald Trump and his administration’s actions related to Social Security. Although Biden has largely avoided public speaking since leaving office, his participation in the event highlighted growing concerns about changes to the program.
The ACRD, which hosted the conference, focuses on equipping disability professionals with the tools, technology, and training to lead the industry forward.
