MSNBC Firestorm: ‘The View’ Hosts Clash Over Karoline Leavitt’s White House Role
A heated debate erupted on The View after co-hosts weighed in on Karoline Leavitt’s appointment as White House Press Secretary. The controversy ignited when Joy Behar made remarks about Leavitt’s qualifications, suggesting that her selection was based more on appearance than merit.
The discussion quickly spiraled into a media firestorm, with both critics and supporters weighing in on the debate.
A Controversial Comment Sparks Outrage
Leavitt, 27, made history as the youngest person to ever hold the position of White House Press Secretary. Her first press briefing on January 28 made headlines, with The New York Times calling her approach “steely and unflinching.”
But it was Behar’s comment that grabbed attention.
“She’s probably been put in there because, according to Donald Trump, she’s a 10,” Behar said, implying that Leavitt’s appearance played a role in her appointment.
The backlash was immediate. Supporters of Leavitt called out Behar’s remark as “insulting and dismissive.” On social media, users defended Leavitt, with one writing, “She got the job because she’s qualified, not because of how she looks.”
Another post read, “They’re just jealous. Why attack a young, accomplished woman?”
‘The View’ Hosts Fire Back
The controversy didn’t stop there. Fellow View co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former Trump staffer, stepped in to defend Leavitt.
“It was her first press briefing, not her first job. She’s been in politics for years,” Griffin countered.
As the discussion grew more intense, podcaster Charlie Kirk called Behar’s remarks “bitter and idiotic.” Former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly also weighed in, calling the comment “not true.”
Karoline Leavitt’s Background
Leavitt isn’t new to politics. She worked as an assistant press secretary during Trump’s first term and later served as his national press secretary during the 2024 campaign.
Between those roles, she was the communications director for Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik and even launched her own congressional campaign in New Hampshire in 2022.
Leavitt has built a reputation as a fierce advocate for Trump. She returned to work just days after giving birth in July 2024, saying she felt a duty to support the former president after witnessing the assassination attempt against him.
The Personal Spotlight
Along with her political career, Leavitt’s personal life has also drawn attention. She recently married 59-year-old real estate mogul Nicholas Rivo, who is 32 years her senior. The couple shares a young son, Nico.
Her Instagram presence has also made waves. From workout clips to shooting range photos, Leavitt’s social media style stands out from past press secretaries. In one post, she captioned a photo at a gun range with “Joe Biden, come and take it.”
The Bigger Picture
Leavitt’s appointment marks a shift in White House press strategy. Her supporters argue that she represents a younger, more aggressive approach to political communication.
Critics, however, question whether her strong ties to Trump will affect the neutrality of her role.
With The View hosts refusing to back down and the debate raging online, one thing is clear: Karoline Leavitt’s rise to the White House podium is just beginning.