From Gaza condoms to ‘Your mom’: Outgoing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s most divisive moments

Leavitt’s Departure Marks End of an Era at the White House Podium

Poinews.com – The Trump administration has unexpectedly lost its primary spokesperson. Karoline Leavitt announced her resignation as White House Press Secretary, choosing to prioritize family life over her demanding role. While the official statement cites personal reasons, some observers have drawn humorous connections to recent events. Rumors circulated that her exit followed days after Donald Trump allegedly left her and other cabinet members aboard a decoy aircraft during a supposed terrorist threat, while he secretly boarded a different flight departing from Turkey.

On social media platforms, Leavitt explained that becoming a mother to her second child changed her perspective. She noted that she could not simultaneously fulfill her maternal duties and provide the “constant time, energy, and attention” her position demands. Despite this transition, her record stands out among previous press secretaries. She survived longer than notable predecessors such as Sean Spicer and Kayleigh McEnany during her eighteen months in office.

A Young Leader with Strong Loyalty

At just twenty-eight years old, Leavitt holds the distinction of being the youngest individual ever appointed to this role. Her relationship with the President has been characterized by mutual trust. Trump publicly referred to her as “one of my most trusted aides,” recognizing her value as a communicator and defender of his agenda.

Her tenure has generated significant polarization. Supporters view her as an unwavering champion of Trump’s vision, while critics label her a “KKKaroline Leavitt”—a derogatory nickname reflecting their frustration. Her departure has sparked mixed reactions. Members of Trump’s base expressed concern about finding a replacement equally committed to defending him during controversies. Meanwhile, detractors celebrated her leaving the podium.

Controversial Moments Define Her Tenure

Leavitt’s time as press secretary included numerous contentious episodes. She frequently challenged journalists, advocated for tighter control over White House press access, and defended statements that experts questioned. Her briefings often featured exaggerated praise for presidential accomplishments. Even some of her most vocal opponents acknowledged that her passionate defense of Trump met high standards within the administration.

Online commentators have noted that her willingness to stretch the truth made Kellyanne Conway’s famous “alternative facts” appear relatively mild by comparison. Several incidents stand out as particularly memorable.

The Gaza Condoms Controversy

During her inaugural White House briefing, Leavitt revealed that the administration had prevented a plan to allocate taxpayer money toward “funding condoms in Gaza.” She claimed that DOGE and the US Office of Management and Budget identified approximately fifty million dollars destined for this purpose. Trump later reinforced the statement, specifying that the condoms were intended for Hamas.

The announcement drew international attention, largely because no supporting evidence accompanied the extraordinary claim. Specialists in American foreign aid and global health expressed confusion. Steve Fake, representing the nonprofit Anera, told CNN that there was “definitely no purchase of condoms.” He added, “We have asked around, and no one is sure what this is referring to.”

Tariffs and the AP Dispute

In March 2025, Associated Press reporter Josh Boak confronted Leavitt regarding Trump’s tariff strategy. Boak argued that tariffs essentially operate as taxes on importers. Leavitt disagreed, stating, “He’s actually not implementing tax hikes.” She continued, explaining that “Tariffs are a tax hike on foreign countries that, again, have been ripping us off. Tariffs are a tax cut for the American people, and the President is a staunch advocate of tax cuts.”

Boak responded directly, noting, “I’m sorry, have you ever paid a tariff? Because I have. They don’t get charged on foreign companies; they get charged on the importers.” Leavitt found the inquiry offensive, remarking that she now regretted giving a question to The Associated Press.

This exchange occurred amid a larger conflict between the administration and the news agency. The Trump government temporarily restricted AP’s access to press events because the organization continued using the traditional name for the Gulf of Mexico rather than Trump’s preferred “Gulf of America.” Leavitt defended the restrictions, asserting, “It is a fact that the body of water off the coast of Louisiana is called the Gulf of America.” She framed the action as holding media outlets accountable for what she considered “lies.”

Although the sanctions against AP were eventually removed, the episode demonstrated Leavitt’s determination to manage the press pool system. She sought to determine which journalists received access and which did not. Additionally, she expanded the permanent press corps by including MAGA-aligned podcasters and political allies who fit her criteria for favorable coverage.