White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt caused a stir online Friday when she attacked reporters for asking about President Donald Trump's moves that would benefit him personally.
The Bulwark's Andrew Egger asked why Trump is planning to attend a dinner with the top investors of his cryptocurrency. Leavitt responded to him by saying Trump is complying with all laws. It was the follow-up that led to Leavitt's claim Trump wasn't acting for his personal benefit.
"I think it's frankly ridiculous that anyone in this room would even suggest that President Trump is doing anything for his own benefit. He left a life of luxury and a life of running a very successful real estate empire for public service," Leavitt said.
It prompted a swift response from those who disagreed.
Dr. Tracy A Pearson, a legal and political commentator, reposted a video of Leavitt on Bluesky, saying, "Thou shalt not lie. Shocked the cross doesn’t burn her. Maybe it’s plastic and cubic zirconia." She included a fire emoji.
"He also 'left a life of luxury' to launch a fraudulent 'university' so I think maybe it’s fair to be a little skeptical that he isn’t doing a little (or a lot) of skimming," said Washington Post columnist Philip Bump.
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Data scientist Laurent Guy replied by asking, "Fundamentally, when has Trump not done something for his own benefit, ever?"
Houston lawyer Chris Jackson commented, "His family’s net worth has increased by $3B from crypto scams alone. Not to mention the only reason he ran again was to stay out of prison. Donald Trump has never, not once, done something that wasn’t primarily for his own benefit."
Actress Ellen Barkin quipped on X, "Cue lightning."
Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, said, "Anyone who believes this is an idiot."
Rep. Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) posted on X, "It’s pretty masterful to include so, so many lies in a statement the size of a tweet."
A number of GIFs were also posted, such as the "Brady Bunch's" Marsha saying, "Sure, Jan." Another was actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key laughing.
Others posted examples of reports they felt was contrary to Leavitt's claim.