In her initial briefing as White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt addressed President Donald Trump's executive order pausing federal funding, which raised concerns among various organizations reliant on federal support, including Meals on Wheels and Head Start. Critics noted that the order's broad language could impact funding for essential services such as local law enforcement and disaster aid.

During the briefing, Leavitt made a claim regarding taxpayer dollars being allocated for condoms in Gaza, which was met with confusion as it lacked substantiation. This incident highlighted her approach to communication, which has been characterized by the promotion of unfounded conspiracy theories.

At 28 years old, Leavitt has become a prominent figure in the Trump administration, often echoing the president's rhetoric while introducing her own controversial narratives. For instance, following a tragic aviation incident that resulted in numerous fatalities, she attributed blame to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reflecting a trend of scapegoating social equity efforts in discussions of public safety.

In March, the Trump administration deported over 250 immigrant men to a facility in El Salvador known for human rights violations, despite a judicial order to halt the deportations. Leavitt dismissed the validity of the verbal order, suggesting legal ambiguities that have raised concerns about adherence to judicial authority.

Leavitt's statements regarding individual cases, such as that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, have also drawn criticism. She labeled him a terrorist and denied any errors in his deportation, despite evidence to the contrary.

Her tenure has been marked by a series of gaffes and controversial remarks, including comments that appeared to prioritize political optics over substantive policy discussions. For example, during a government shutdown, she remarked that the president's focus was on social events rather than pressing governmental issues.

Leavitt's personal connections to immigration issues have also been scrutinized, particularly when her family members faced deportation. Despite this, she has publicly supported stringent immigration policies, often framing them in a manner that aligns with the administration's broader agenda.

As a devout Catholic, Leavitt has intertwined her religious beliefs with her political rhetoric, often defending controversial actions by the Trump administration. Her defense of Trump's behavior, including derogatory remarks towards women, has been framed as a commitment to transparency, though critics argue it reflects a troubling normalization of aggressive political discourse.

Overall, Leavitt's role as press secretary has been characterized by a willingness to defend the administration's actions, regardless of their implications for social equity and human rights, raising questions about the ethical responsibilities of public officials in their communications.