Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made her inaugural appearance in the White House briefing room on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a new chapter in communication for the Trump administration. At the age of 27, she achieved the distinction of being the youngest individual to assume this role, vowing to adopt a fresh strategy that emphasizes transparency and interaction with unconventional media outlets.
However, instead of focusing on her policies or qualifications, the hosts of The View shifted the discussion to a different topic—one that many critics have labeled as overtly sexist and dismissive. During a segment addressing Leavitt’s appointment, Joy Behar and her colleagues made inappropriate comments insinuating that her selection was based solely on her physical appearance.
“I think she’s probably been put in there because, according to Donald Trump, she’s a ‘10,’” Behar remarked derisively. “You know that’s what it is!”
Even as one panelist attempted to highlight Leavitt’s previous government experience, the dialogue deteriorated into an insinuation that she would not have secured the position in any other administration.
“I would like her to do homework. She said something yesterday that annoyed me, which was, ‘there will be no wokeness here.’ Let me clarify, without that wokeness, you might not have that job,” Whoopi Goldberg later stated.
These remarks quickly incited backlash, with many criticizing the hypocrisy of a program that professes to support women’s empowerment while reducing a successful female professional to her appearance. The irony was evident to many who noted how the media would have responded had similar comments been directed at a liberal woman in a position of power.
“Well that sounds racist,” one user wrote on X.
“Well, to be fair, there’s not a chance in hell she got her job on the view because of her looks,” one user joked of Behar.
“If jobs are based on looks how tf did these cows get on air?” another joked.
A brief examination of Leavitt’s resume refutes the assertions made by The View. Prior to her appointment as White House press secretary, she held the position of national press secretary for the Trump 2024 campaign. Before that, she served as the communications director for Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and previously worked as an assistant press secretary in the Trump administration.
Additionally, she was involved in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence and worked under former Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany. Leavitt also acted as a spokesperson for a prominent pro-Trump super PAC. She possesses degrees in communications and political science, establishing herself as a prominent and articulate conservative voice.
This incident, however, is part of a broader pattern of The View targeting conservative women with disparaging remarks. Their treatment of figures such as Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Kayleigh McEnany, and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley illustrates a consistent trend of undermining the achievements of right-leaning women while promoting their liberal counterparts.
In the meantime, Leavitt remains dedicated to her responsibilities, informing reporters during her initial briefing of her intention to enhance media access and amplify the voices of outlets that have been marginalized by the Washington establishment. If her first appearance is any indication, she is not only prepared for the role but also exceptionally equipped to manage the challenges that come with it.
