Donald Trump has come under renewed criticism after making comments widely described as inappropriate about White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
The remarks, delivered on Tuesday, quickly drew backlash online and reignited long-running debates about Trump’s language toward women in professional roles. The 79-year-old president was speaking at an event that was billed as a discussion of the American economy, a key issue for voters ahead of the election.
However, as has often been the case at Trump rallies, his speech drifted across a range of topics, from media criticism to personal observations about people in his orbit. It was during this digression that Trump referenced Leavitt, who was present at the event.
Leavitt has served as White House press secretary since January and holds a notable place in political history. At 28 years old, she is the youngest person ever to assume the role and the 36th individual to do so. Her rapid rise within Republican politics and her frequent television appearances have made her a prominent figure in the administration.
Acknowledging her presence, Trump initially praised Leavitt’s performance as press secretary, prompting applause from the crowd. However, his comments soon shifted away from her professional abilities and toward her appearance and manner of speaking. He referred to her “beautiful face” and made a remark about her lips, likening her speech to a “machine gun,” a comparison that many critics found unsettling and unnecessary.
The reaction online was swift. Social media users from across the political spectrum condemned the remarks, describing them as “gross,” “creepy,” and “deeply inappropriate.” Many pointed to the power imbalance between a sitting president and a much younger staff member, questioning why a leader would comment on a subordinate’s appearance rather than her work.
Several critics argued that the comments reflected a broader pattern in which women are judged or discussed based on how they look rather than their qualifications or achievements. Others expressed frustration that a rally intended to address serious economic concerns veered into personal commentary that had little to do with policy. Some viewers said the moment was uncomfortable enough that they stopped watching the event altogether.
The controversy also revived scrutiny of Trump’s past remarks about women. Just weeks earlier, he faced condemnation after telling a female journalist to be quiet and referring to her as “piggy,” a comment widely labeled misogynistic. Over the years, Trump’s rhetoric has frequently drawn criticism from opponents and advocacy groups, who argue that such language undermines professional norms and sets a poor example from the highest office in the country.
Supporters of the president downplayed the incident, saying Trump often speaks off the cuff and did not intend harm. However, critics countered that intent is less important than impact, especially given the influence and visibility of the presidency.
As the campaign continues, the episode has once again highlighted how Trump’s unscripted remarks can overshadow policy messages and dominate news coverage. For many observers, the incident underscores an ongoing debate about standards of conduct, respect in the workplace, and how political leaders speak about the people who work for them.