Whenever Karoline Leavitt speaks, supporters and critics are sure to tune in. Such was the case when the White House press secretary appeared on the Sept. 20 episode of Fox News’ “Saturday in America.”
Leavitt’s discussion with host Kayleigh McEnany addressed several issues, including the fate of TikTok’s existence in the U.S., the suspension of late-night TV personality Jimmy Kimmel, and more. But her messaging on any of the talking points was lost among those who took keen interest in her appearance.
Leavitt, 28, was dressed in a blush pink blouse and a coordinating blazer with pink, brown, and tan details.
There was nothing out of the ordinary about her polished makeup look compared to any other television appearance she had made since becoming the White House spokesperson in January. Still, people found a flaw to fixate on — her mouth.
A heckler remarked, “Her upper lip disappeared,” in their reaction to a snippet of the interview circulating on X.
The secretary of lying thinks we are all morons and acts like we didn’t all see Brendan Carr with our own eyes pic.twitter.com/qevnnTOOTF
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) September 20, 2025
On the flip side, someone else seemingly felt that the staunch Donald Trump supporter’s mouth appeared more prominent. That individual wrote, “What’s with the Botox lips @PressSec?”
Leavitt’s appearance during press conferences or at public events often sparks chatter, with some insisting she looks much older than her years. Some advised her to lay off the makeup and stop with the lip fillers, although she has never confirmed that she received any plastic surgery.
Others suggest the 28-year-old’s “aged” look comes from being paired with her 60-year-old millionaire husband, Nicolas Riccio. The couple welcomed their first child just months before tying the knot in January.
Her husband has never publicly addressed the criticism about her looks, but fans often target their 30-plus-year age gap. Despite this, Leavitt’s photos shared online show the couple looking loving and affectionate.
Even Trump has found himself smitten by Leavitt’s looks. In an August interview, the president praised the staff member by stating, “She’s become a star. It’s that face, it’s that brain, it’s those lips, the way they move. They move like she’s a machine gun.”
“She also looks like she pulled an all nighter. She looks terrible,” read a third tweet. The user did not elaborate on the particulars of Leavitt’s appearance that made her appear less bright-eyed and ready for the discussion.
🚨WTF: Donald Trump completely demeans Karoline Leavitt.
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) August 2, 2025
“She's become a star. It's that face, it's that brain, it's those lips – they move like a machine gun.”
Yeah. He’s definitely on the list.
pic.twitter.com/EZHhXgRS3U
The majority of reactions, though, lambasted Leavitt over her claims that Trump did not have a hand in Kimmel’s talk show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” being pulled from airwaves on Sept. 17 after a joke.
On Sept. 22, ABC announced Kimmel’s show would be returning to airwaves, however, stations owned and operated by media companies Nexstar and Sinclair shared that their affiliates will offer different programming.
