Karoline Leavitt, 27, under fire for “rude” Biden comment: Did she go too far or just say what others won’t?

Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary in U.S. history, is facing backlash after a joke about Joe Biden’s age during a Social Security speech. Critics call the comment “disrespectful” — even as supporters defend her blunt style.

At just 27 years old, Karoline Leavitt has made a meteoric rise in politics. Once a high school student scooping ice cream in New Hampshire, she’s now the public face of Donald Trump’s communication team. Known for her tough talk and loyalty to the former president, Leavitt has become a rising star in conservative circles — and a loud critic of the media.

But her recent jab at President Joe Biden has grabbed national attention for all the wrong reasons.

The comment that lit a fire

When asked about Biden’s recent evening speech on Social Security, Leavitt didn’t hold back.

“I’m shocked that he is speaking at nighttime,” she said. “I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight.”

The remark was clearly aimed at Biden’s age — he’s 82 — and immediately caused a storm on social media. While Leavitt later shifted the focus to Trump’s stance on protecting Social Security, the damage was already done.

“Disrespectful and unnecessary”

Online comments poured in, and many called the statement out for being immature.

“No class at all. Shame on you,” one Facebook user wrote.
“So juvenile, disrespectful, and classless,” another added.
“Even if you don’t like Biden, he deserves basic respect,” said an Instagram follower.

Interestingly, some criticism came from Leavitt’s own fans. One supporter posted, “She usually does a great job, but this was uncalled for. Be better.”

A few even brought up her personal life, pointing out her marriage to a man 32 years older than her. One user wrote, “You’ll be saying the same thing not far away.”

Biden stays focused on Social Security

Meanwhile, President Biden’s speech in Chicago focused on protecting Social Security, especially for seniors and disabled Americans. Speaking to the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD), he highlighted efforts to secure $2 billion for better customer service and shorter wait times.

“They want to let Social Security expire every five years unless Congress votes to renew it. Who the hell do they think they are?” Biden asked, referring to Republican proposals.

He also slammed Trump for cutting taxes for the wealthy and criticized the Trump-era Social Security Administration for mass layoffs and controversial data-sharing plans with Elon Musk’s office.

Experts and lawmakers weigh in

Disability attorney Jason Turkish, who represents over 30,000 clients, said there’s growing anxiety among vulnerable groups.

“We go from Republican to Democrat and back, but there’s always been a belief that Social Security is sacred. Now that feels shaky,” he said.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries also chimed in, calling Biden’s speech “an all hands on deck moment” for defending basic benefits.

This controversy goes beyond one snarky comment. It touches on a bigger debate in American politics: Has personal respect gone out the window?

Supporters of Leavitt say she’s simply telling it like it is. Critics say it’s another sign of how toxic political discourse has become — especially when younger leaders take the stage.

Whether her words were out of line or just brutally honest, one thing is clear: Karoline Leavitt knows how to get people talking.

As Karoline Leavitt faces heat over her remark and Joe Biden re-enters the public eye, Americans are left with a bigger question: Are we losing basic respect in politics? Or are we just being more open about what we think?

In an age where one sentence can spark outrage — or applause — every word counts. And for rising voices like Leavitt’s, the spotlight comes with real consequences.

What do you think — did she cross the line, or just say what others are too afraid to say?