Former Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Criticizes Caroline Leavitt, Sparks Sharp On-Air Rebuttal

A simmering feud between past and present White House press secretaries spilled into public view this week after former Biden press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre criticized her successor, Caroline Leavitt, prompting a pointed and unapologetic response on Fox News.

Jean-Pierre, appearing on The View as part of her post–White House media tour, condemned Leavitt’s conduct, calling it “deplorable” and accusing the Trump press secretary of undermining the dignity of the office through what she described as “online trolling.” The remarks followed controversy surrounding a leaked private text exchange in which Leavitt reportedly responded to a reporter’s question with a joking “your mom” remark.

Jean-Pierre framed the incident as evidence of a broader failure of decorum.

“The White House press secretary position is an honor and a privilege,” she said. “It’s not about online trolling. It’s about respecting the freedom of the press and communicating responsibly on behalf of the American people.”

Leavitt Fires Back

Leavitt did not stay silent for long.

Appearing on Jesse Watters Primetime, the Trump press secretary delivered a blistering rebuttal, accusing Jean-Pierre of hypocrisy and dishonesty during her tenure under President Joe Biden.

“With all due respect to my predecessor,” Leavitt said, “she was one of the main culprits in the greatest cover-up scandal in American history. She stood at the podium every day and lied to the American people about the mental and physical condition of her boss.”

Leavitt rejected claims that the Trump White House disrespects the press, instead arguing that it has been more transparent and accessible than the previous administration.

“The president takes questions from the press nearly every day,” she said. “We provide truthful, accurate information. That is a stark contrast to the gaslighting that occurred over the past four years.”

A Broader Media Divide

The clash highlights a deeper divide over what the role of the press secretary should be in an era of hyper-partisan media. Jean-Pierre emphasized institutional norms, restraint, and traditional decorum, while Leavitt embraced confrontation and blunt rhetoric, particularly toward reporters she labeled as activists rather than journalists.

Leavitt also pushed back against criticism of Trump-era projects, including the president’s privately funded White House ballroom addition, dismissing outrage as politically motivated and noting that previous presidents had modernized the White House without similar backlash.

Political Aftershocks

Jean-Pierre’s criticism came amid her recent announcement that she is now an independent—a move that has drawn skepticism from critics who argue she remains closely aligned with Democratic messaging. Since leaving office, she has struggled to maintain a high-profile media role, fueling speculation that her sharp remarks were driven in part by lingering resentment.

Leavitt, by contrast, appears firmly entrenched in Trump’s political and media ecosystem, enjoying strong support from conservative audiences and commentators who praise her aggressive defense of the administration.

Two Visions of the Podium

At its core, the exchange represents two fundamentally different philosophies of political communication. Jean-Pierre argues for institutional restraint and press deference; Leavitt champions direct confrontation and ideological clarity.

Whether one sees Leavitt’s approach as refreshing honesty or unnecessary provocation depends largely on political alignment. What is undeniable, however, is that the press secretary’s podium—once a symbol of cautious diplomacy—has become another frontline in America’s culture war.

And judging by the intensity of this exchange, neither side is backing down anytime soon.