A recent interview featuring President Donald Trump has sparked fierce debate after remarks about one of his top staffers took an unexpectedly personal turn.
During an August 1 sit-down with Newsmax, Trump was joined by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, a rising figure in Republican circles known for her sharp delivery and bold media presence.
The interview began with typical political commentary, including Leavitt defending her boss’s global diplomacy efforts.
She boldly claimed,
“He deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. He’s brokered, on average, about one peace deal or ceasefire per month in six months.”
Trump responded with glowing praise for Leavitt, celebrating her as a vital force in his administration.
But midway through his admiration, the president’s tone shifted into something far more personal.
“It’s that face. It’s that brain. It’s those lips, the way they move. They move like she’s a machine gun,” Trump said.
He added,
“She’s a great person. I don’t think anybody has ever had a better press secretary than Karoline. She’s been amazing.”
The comments quickly lit up social media, where users labeled his language as “creepy,” “inappropriate,” and “cringe-worthy.”
One post read,
“This makes me so incredibly uncomfortable.”
Another said,
“Why are we talking about a woman’s lips in a professional context?”
However, others argued the remarks were misunderstood.
Some suggested Trump was referring to Leavitt’s quick-fire responses to the media, calling her communication skills “machine-gun-like” in terms of efficiency.
“Her lips are like a machine gun. They obliterate the press,” one supporter wrote online in defense.
Karoline Leavitt, 27, has gained national attention since becoming the youngest-ever White House press secretary and the first of Trump’s second term.
Before this role, she had served in Trump’s previous administration and made a name for herself as a bold, pro-Trump media figure.
She also recently made headlines after marrying real estate developer Nicholas Riccio, balancing newlywed life with one of Washington’s most scrutinized jobs.
Still, it’s the president’s unusually intimate comments—not Leavitt’s resume—that have taken center stage.
The backlash now mirrors larger conversations about professionalism, gender dynamics, and power in political workplaces.
Trump concluded his remarks in the interview with another round of praise.
“She’s become a star,” he said, smiling.
“She’s been amazing.”
But for many viewers, it was what he said before that they’ll remember most.
Featured image: (Instagram/X)
