Public calls Karoline Leavitt’s comments on Joe Biden’s first public address since leaving the White House “INAPPROPRIATE.” 😬

Public Backlash Grows Over Karoline Leavitt’s Comments on Joe Biden’s Post-White House Address: “Inappropriate,” Critics Say

May 19, 2025

Karoline Leavitt, a former Trump White House staffer and rising Republican figure, is facing mounting criticism after making controversial remarks about President Joe Biden’s first major public address since leaving office in January. During a segment on a conservative media outlet, Leavitt questioned Biden’s mental acuity, his legacy, and even the authenticity of his appearance at the event — comments many across the political spectrum have since labeled “inappropriate,” “disrespectful,” and “politically tone-deaf.”

The Context: Biden’s First Post-Presidency Address

On Sunday evening, Joe Biden delivered his first public remarks since leaving the White House, speaking at an event hosted by the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware. The address, widely covered and praised by Democratic allies and nonpartisan observers alike, was framed as a call to civic engagement, democratic resilience, and unity in turbulent political times.

Appearing calm and reflective, Biden discussed the lessons of his presidency, his hopes for America’s future, and the need for respectful political discourse — a theme especially resonant in today’s polarized climate. Political analysts described the speech as “dignified,” “measured,” and “a welcome return to elder statesmanship.”

Leavitt’s Remarks Ignite Controversy

Within hours of the address, Karoline Leavitt took to the airwaves and social media to deliver a blistering critique.

“Joe Biden’s speech tonight was a sad, staged attempt to rewrite history,” she said on Newsmax. “The American people remember the chaos, the inflation, the failures at home and abroad. No amount of teleprompter polish or emotional appeals can change that. And frankly, I think we all saw tonight that he’s not all there. It’s uncomfortable to watch.”

In a follow-up post on X (formerly Twitter), she added: “The Democrats wheeled out Biden like a mascot. It’s a disgrace to real leadership.”

The reaction was swift.

Public and Political Response

Leavitt’s comments were met with a barrage of criticism online, with #Inappropriate trending on social media just hours later. Political commentators, journalists, and everyday citizens expressed outrage at what they viewed as an unnecessary personal attack on a former president who was attempting to offer thoughtful commentary on America’s political future.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) responded in a televised interview: “What Karoline Leavitt said was not just disrespectful to President Biden, it was disrespectful to the office he held. We need to elevate our discourse, not demean our former leaders.”

Even some moderate Republicans distanced themselves from Leavitt’s remarks. Former GOP Senator Jeff Flake called her tone “mean-spirited,” and suggested that “young conservatives would do better to engage in policy, not petty insults.”

Media and Expert Analysis

Major media outlets were also quick to weigh in. CNN’s Jake Tapper called Leavitt’s remarks “a sad reflection of where the GOP media strategy has landed — character assassination over constructive dialogue.”

Political historian Dr. Laura Benton told The Washington Post: “It’s one thing to critique policy. It’s another thing to mock a former president’s age and insinuate impairment without evidence. That crosses a line. Karoline Leavitt may be positioning herself for political advancement, but this wasn’t the way to do it.”

Leavitt’s Response

Amid the backlash, Leavitt doubled down. “I will never apologize for speaking the truth,” she tweeted Monday morning. “America deserves leaders who are sharp, strong, and honest. Joe Biden failed in office, and now he’s trying to rewrite history. I won’t stay silent.”

However, some insiders in Republican circles have reportedly expressed concern that the tone and timing of Leavitt’s attack may alienate moderate voters, especially as the 2026 midterms come into view.

A Larger Pattern?

Leavitt has become known for her hard-charging, combative political style — seen by many as part of a new generation of GOP figures who embrace Trump-style rhetoric and media tactics. Critics argue that this approach often sacrifices substance for spectacle, and risks deepening political divisions at a time when Americans are weary of conflict.

For supporters, however, Leavitt is a refreshing, no-nonsense conservative voice who refuses to sugarcoat political realities. Her defenders argue that Democrats are quick to call any critique of Biden’s age or past performance “inappropriate” only when it suits their narrative.

The Bigger Picture

While Leavitt’s comments have stirred outrage, they also highlight the enduring tensions in American political life: between respect for public service and partisan warfare, between elder statesmanship and youthful ambition, and between political criticism and personal attack.

President Biden, for his part, has not responded directly to Leavitt’s remarks. His speech, however, seemed to anticipate such vitriol. “We have to find a way to disagree without dehumanizing,” he said near the close of his address. “Democracy depends on that.”

Whether that message resonates in today’s political landscape remains to be seen — but if the reaction to Leavitt’s comments is any indication, the American public may be drawing its own conclusions.