At just 27 years old, Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House Press Secretary in history, has found herself at the epicenter of a social media firestorm that would have rattled even the most seasoned political operatives. Viral TikTok videos, blending clips of her press briefings with the 2004 OutKast hit “Roses,” have cruelly mocked her, falsely tying her to lyrics that call out a “Caroline” as the inspiration for a derogatory term—despite Leavitt being only six when the song was released. The videos, which have racked up millions of views, sparked a wave of online bullying, with comments ranging from sarcastic jabs about her being the song’s muse to memes suggesting the Trump administration might retaliate against the hip-hop duo. Yet, through it all, Leavitt has not only weathered the storm but emerged as a poised, resilient figure, navigating her high-stakes role with the grace of royalty on a White House tour. Her response—or lack thereof—to the mockery, paired with her confident handling of a viral TikTok tour with influencer Kate Mackz, has cemented her as a rising star in American politics, unflinching in the face of adversity.

Leavitt’s ascent to the White House briefing room is a story of grit, ambition, and an unapologetic embrace of her conservative values. Born in Atkinson, New Hampshire, in 1997, she grew up in a middle-class family, helping out at her father’s used car dealership while cultivating a passion for politics. Her early exposure to the political world came during her time at Saint Anselm College, where she played softball and interned in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence during Donald Trump’s first term. This experience, coupled with a stint working for New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, ignited what Stefanik described as a “fire in the belly” for public service. By 2022, Leavitt was running a longshot congressional campaign in New Hampshire’s 1st District, a race she lost to Democrat Chris Pappas but used as a springboard to national prominence. Her campaign caught the eye of Trump and his inner circle, including Steve Bannon, who hosted her on his “War Room” podcast and praised her as “tough as boot leather.” This tenacity and loyalty to Trump’s vision led to her appointment as White House Press Secretary, a role she has embraced with a blend of youthful energy and steely resolve.

The viral mockery Leavitt faced stems from a series of TikTok videos that juxtaposed her press briefings with OutKast’s “Roses,” specifically the line, “Caroline, she’s the reason for the word b***h.” Commenters found the mash-up “hilarious,” with some jokingly claiming it was “Simpsons-level foreshadowing,” despite the obvious timeline mismatch—Leavitt was a child when the song was written. Others speculated the Trump administration might “sue OutKast for making this song in the ’90s,” a tongue-in-cheek nod to the absurdity of the situation. The videos, which spread like wildfire across TikTok and X, represent a broader trend of online bullying targeting prominent conservative women, often focusing on their appearance or personal lives. Leavitt, with her polished style and sharp rhetoric, became an easy target for detractors who saw her as a symbol of the Trump administration’s polarizing agenda.

Adding fuel to the fire was Leavitt’s collaboration with running influencer Kate Mackz, whose TikTok tour of the White House with Leavitt sparked its own controversy. Mackz, known for interviewing celebrities and politicians while jogging, deviated from her usual format to walk the White House grounds with Leavitt, who opted for heels and a muted yellow suit over running shoes. The video, which garnered 2.5 million views, showcased Leavitt’s office, complete with a photo of her son on Air Force One and a meme mocking “legacy media” pinned to her corkboard. The tour included a surprise cameo by actor Jason Isaacs, a vocal Trump critic, who was in town for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The lighthearted video, meant to humanize Leavitt and highlight her role, backfired for Mackz, whose followers accused her of “platforming” a Trump official. Comments like “This is really, really disappointing” and “A slap in the face to the running community” flooded Mackz’s posts, with some fans, including Hope Walz, daughter of former vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz, demanding she unpin an earlier video with Walz. Leavitt, however, remained unfazed, her beaming smile and confident demeanor during the tour earning praise from supporters who called her a “rockstar” and a “verbal killer” on X.

Leavitt’s ability to rise above the mockery is rooted in her strategic approach to communication, which blends traditional press briefings with a Gen Z-savvy command of social media. Her defenders on X, like @TheThe1776, have lauded her as a “total rockstar” with “more gold medals than Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps combined” for her ability to “verbally curb stomp weak ass arguments.” This digital fluency has allowed her to bypass traditional media gatekeepers, a tactic she’s employed in high-profile clashes with reporters. For instance, during a heated exchange with NBC’s Yamiche Alcindor over Trump’s claims of “white genocide” in South Africa, Leavitt stood her ground, insisting the video Trump showed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa depicted crosses honoring murdered white farmers. Similarly, her defense of Trump’s tariff reversals—framing them as a calculated move from “The Art of the Deal”—drew both mockery and admiration, with critics calling it “laughable” while supporters praised her loyalty. These moments highlight Leavitt’s role not just as a spokesperson but as a lightning rod for the administration’s messaging, unafraid to confront critics head-on.

Beyond the professional sphere, Leavitt’s personal life has also come under scrutiny, particularly her marriage to Nicholas Riccio, a 59-year-old real estate developer, and their 32-year age gap. In an interview with Megyn Kelly, Leavitt addressed the “atypical love story,” describing Riccio as her “number one fan” and the “best dad” to their son, Niko. The couple met during her 2022 congressional campaign and married in January 2025, just before Trump’s second inauguration. Liberal influencer Suzanne Lambert, who has likened herself to “Mean Girls” character Regina George, targeted Leavitt’s marriage and appearance in viral TikTok videos, mocking her makeup and suggesting she wants to cut Medicaid for the elderly. Leavitt’s response has been to focus on her work, sharing wedding photos on Instagram with captions emphasizing her joy and commitment to her family. This resilience in the face of personal attacks has endeared her to conservative audiences, who see her as a relatable figure balancing motherhood, marriage, and a demanding career.

Leavitt’s handling of the viral mockery extends to debunking false narratives, such as claims she was “kicked off” Jimmy Kimmel Live! or debated Stephen Colbert on “The Late Show.” These fabricated stories, spread via AI-generated YouTube videos, were swiftly debunked by her team and outlets like Snopes, yet they underscore the challenges of navigating misinformation in the digital age. Leavitt’s supporters argue that her ability to stay composed amid such attacks is a testament to her strength. On X, users like @Orangemanround3 have praised her as having “brains, beauty, and zero fear,” noting that she “cuts through the press like a pro.” Even her lighthearted moments, like answering a child’s question about Trump’s favorite president (“probably himself, but maybe George Washington”), showcase her ability to connect with audiences while deflecting criticism with humor.

The broader context of Leavitt’s viral moments reveals a cultural and political divide, where social media amplifies both support and vitriol. The “Republican makeup” trend on TikTok, which mocks conservative women like Leavitt for their heavy makeup and polished style, reflects deeper tensions about gender, beauty, and political identity. Critics argue the trend reinforces a “traditional gender order,” but Leavitt’s supporters see it as a badge of honor, celebrating her as a confident woman who embodies conservative values. Her ability to navigate these attacks while maintaining a polished public image—whether leading a White House tour or sparring with reporters—has made her a polarizing yet undeniably compelling figure.

As Leavitt continues to shape the Trump administration’s narrative, her story is one of defiance and determination. From a small-town New Hampshire girl to a White House powerhouse, she has faced viral mockery with the poise of a queen on a tour, turning criticism into opportunities to showcase her loyalty, wit, and resilience. Whether she’s addressing tariffs, debunking fake videos, or sharing glimpses of her personal life, Leavitt remains a force to be reckoned with, proving that in today’s digital age, authenticity and strength can outshine even the cruelest online storms.