A recent comment from the 36th White House press secretary regarding the former president’s re-emergence has ignited controversy and prompted discussions about political decorum.

Karoline Leavitt garnered attention with her candid reaction to former President Joe Biden’s first public address since leaving office. Delivered on April 15, 2025, Biden’s speech centered on Social Security. In her remarks, Leavitt expressed, “My initial thought upon seeing former President Biden speaking tonight was surprise that he was addressing the public at night. I had assumed his bedtime was earlier than the timing of his speech.”

During a daily press briefing at the White House on April 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C., Leavitt, who is 27 years old, further commented, “I recognize that the subject of his speech will be Social Security. Let me be clear before former President Biden speaks — President Trump is fully committed to safeguarding Social Security benefits for law-abiding, tax-paying American citizens and seniors who have contributed to this program.”

“He will consistently defend this program. He campaigned on it, upheld it during his first term, and he is returning to ensure its protection,” Leavitt concluded, making her the youngest individual to serve as White House press secretary. The initial part of Leavitt’s statement, which appeared to mock Biden’s age and vitality, drew significant backlash on social media, with many labeling her comments as disrespectful and unprofessional.

On Facebook, numerous users criticized her tone. One individual remarked, “Very rude. She’s referring to a former US President. He deserves at least some respect!” Another user noted, “While I usually appreciate her straightforwardness, this was immature and disrespectful. I did not support President Biden.”Karoline Leavitt was observed during a daily press briefing at the White House on April 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

Responses on Instagram were similarly intense. One user commented, “She performs well, but her remarks are not suitable. She should rise above that [sic].”

Another user stated, “Karoline, you have overstepped!” A third individual noted, “It is completely unnecessary for someone in her role to express themselves in this manner.” Karoline Leavitt is depicted at a daily press briefing at the White House on April 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

On the same day, President Biden made a rare public appearance, delivering a speech at the national conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) in Chicago. This event was part of a nationwide Social Security Day of Action. Former U.S. President Joe Biden addresses a conference organized by the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) on April 15, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois | Source: Getty Images

During the conference, Biden criticized former President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies regarding Social Security. Although Biden has generally refrained from public speaking since his departure from office, his involvement in this event underscored increasing worries about potential changes to the program.

The ACRD, which organized the conference, is dedicated to providing disability professionals with the necessary tools, technology, and training to advance the industry.