In today’s fast-moving political and social media climate, even minor personal details can spark outsized controversy. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently experienced this firsthand when a casual Instagram post drew online criticism over her choice of accessory. At 27, the youngest press secretary in U.S. history is already under intense public scrutiny, but this time the focus shifted from policy to fashion.
The backlash stemmed from a recent diplomatic spat in which Leavitt sharply responded to a French politician who suggested the U.S. return the Statue of Liberty. Her blunt remarks, praised by supporters as a strong defense of American history, resurfaced when critics noticed she was carrying a Louis Vuitton tote—a luxury brand synonymous with France. Detractors accused her of hypocrisy, arguing that nationalist rhetoric clashed with displaying a French luxury product.
Supporters quickly pushed back, calling the criticism trivial and sexist, and stressing that a handbag has no relevance to foreign policy or professional competence. To them, the episode reflected the excesses of online “gotcha” culture rather than a meaningful political issue.
Leavitt herself did not directly address the criticism. Instead, she shared family-centered moments from her weekend, subtly shifting attention away from the controversy. The episode underscores how modern public figures are constantly scrutinized, where even personal choices can become political symbols—and where the line between public duty and private life continues to blur.