Donald Trump’s recent comments regarding Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, have ignited a firestorm of debate, with many observers labeling his remarks as “creepy” and unconventional. The former president’s effusive praise, particularly focusing on Leavitt’s physical attributes, has drawn significant public and media scrutiny, raising questions about decorum in political discourse.
During a recent interview, Trump lauded Leavitt, a staunch defender of his administration, describing her as a “star.” He went on to highlight her “face,” “brain,” and notably, “those lips,” likening their movement to a “machine gun.” This particular comparison, delivered in a public forum, became an immediate flashpoint for criticism and discussion across social platforms and news outlets.
Leavitt herself has a robust background within the Trump sphere, serving in various capacities including national press secretary for his 2024 presidential campaign and an assistant press secretary during his first term. Her unwavering support for Trump, spanning from his controversial tweets to his “white genocide” statements, has cemented her as a prominent figure in his political orbit.
Body language expert Judi James weighed in on the controversy, dissecting Trump’s demeanor during the interview. James observed that Trump’s focus on “those lips” was a peculiar choice for assessing a press secretary’s merits, especially when compared to his typical assessments of male political figures like Vance or Hegseth.
James further analyzed Trump’s non-verbal cues, noting his pursed lips and display of lower teeth as he hailed Leavitt as a “star.” She highlighted the seemingly incongruous pairing of her “aesthetic qualities” with her “intellectual skills” in his praise, indicating a curious emphasis on physical appearance in a professional context.
The expert also pointed out Trump’s attempt to rationalize his “lips” comment by comparing them to “weaponry” and a “machine gun,” followed by a “look of affected guilt” as he questioned if Leavitt was “in the room.” This behavior, according to James, seemed irrelevant given his direct address to the camera, adding another layer of peculiarity to the interaction.
Karoline Leavitt’s extensive experience, honed during her time working closely with Trump, positions her uniquely in her current role. She follows a lineage of press secretaries who served under Trump’s initial White House tenure, a period marked by a notable turnover rate in the position.
The former president’s initial administration saw a succession of press secretaries, including Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Stephanie Grisham, and Kayleigh McEnany. Grisham’s term was particularly distinctive for her absence of formal briefings, a stark contrast to the highly visible roles of her predecessors and successors.
