Karoline Leavitt, President Donald Trump’s newly appointed press secretary, has drawn attention for more than just her policy statements. While still finding her footing in Washington, Leavitt’s wardrobe choices have been the subject of criticism, ranging from ill-fitting blazers to outdated prints.
But one particular outfit is now being described as her most controversial yet, not for its fashion flaws, but for its political optics.
Accusing China is business.
Buying China is life.
The beautiful lace on the dress was recognized by an employee of a Chinese company as its product. pic.twitter.com/SfPyM4M02Z— Zhang Zhisheng 张志昇 (@salahzhang) April 14, 2025
Just days into Trump’s second term, Leavitt led a White House press conference discussing proposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, part of the administration’s broader effort to boost the American economy and curb the flow of fentanyl. However, her attire during the event quickly became a talking point. Leavitt wore a bright red sweater dress that, while eye-catching, was seen by some as lacking the formality expected at such a high-level event.
The bigger issue arose when Zhang Zhisheng, China’s ambassador to Indonesia, took to X (formerly Twitter) to point out that the dress appeared to be made in China. His post included a sharp remark: “Complain about China’s business practices all you like, but hey — you’re still buying our products.” The comment struck a nerve, bringing to light the awkward contrast between the administration’s anti-China stance and the apparent origin of Leavitt’s outfit.
KKKaroline Leavitt lecturing everyone to buy American while she’s wearing clothes made in China on a daily basis! What a hypocrite! 😡😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/b4dfZNS2DN
— Suzie rizzio (@Suzierizzo1) May 1, 2025
Public figures are often expected to be highly intentional in their sartorial choices, especially during politically charged moments. Leavitt’s situation mirrors similar wardrobe-related missteps in political history, such as Melania Trump’s infamous “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” jacket. Even Michelle Obama used fashion as a statement, wearing a sleeveless suit during the 2024 Democratic National Convention. The style previously drew criticism though but now served as a confident retort to past detractors.
One user on X wrote, “Karoline Leavitt will be paying more for her “made in China” clothes that she wears daily at the White House. So much for America First.” Another person wrote, “While Karoline Leavitt was bashing China, she was wearing a dress made in China.”
Though some users on social media suggested Leavitt’s dress may have been American-made, the damage was done. As the youngest press secretary in history, such slip-ups, however unintentional, come under intense scrutiny.
With time, Leavitt may find a way to balance her Gen Z sensibility with the demands of a professional political role. Whether she adopts a more curated wardrobe strategy or gets in touch with a fashion advisor, observers hope that by the 2028 election cycle, she’ll have developed a style that reflects both credibility and confidence.
Here are some more glimpses of the youngest Press-secretary from her briefing moments.
Karoline Leavitt confirmed that no one from press office will respond to the mails with pronouns in their signature.
Leavitt is usually known for her fiery takedowns.
