White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sparked outrage on May 29, 2025, with a scathing attack on former First Lady Jill Biden, accusing her of lying about President Joe Biden’s mental acuity. Speaking to Newsmax, Leavitt claimed, “She’s still lying to the American people. She still thinks the American public are so stupid that they will believe her lies,” referencing Jill’s May 22 appearance on The View, where she dismissed concerns about her husband’s cognitive health as “fine.” The remarks, condemned as projection by critics, have intensified scrutiny of the Trump administration’s tactics and Leavitt’s credibility, deepening political divides.
Leavitt’s comments targeted Jill Biden’s defense of Joe Biden amid persistent questions about his mental sharpness during his final months in office. On The View, Jill rejected claims of cognitive decline, emphasizing Biden’s legislative achievements and calling such criticisms “Republican talking points.” Leavitt, seizing on this, argued that Jill’s assurances misled the public, pointing to reports of Biden’s limited public appearances and reliance on aides in 2024. A 2024 Wall Street Journal article noted concerns from lawmakers about Biden’s health, though no medical evidence confirmed significant decline.
Critics slammed Leavitt’s attack as hypocritical, given President Donald Trump’s own controversies, including a 96% federal court loss rate in May 2025 and questionable pardons like that of Michael Grimm. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), who recently questioned Trump’s mental fitness, told CNN, “This is deflection from an administration drowning in its own scandals.” Leavitt’s accusation of lying mirrors Trump’s rhetoric, with critics arguing it distracts from issues like the blocked “Liberation Day” tariffs and DOGE’s chaotic cuts, which disrupted Social Security services, per NPR.
The Biden camp responded sharply. A spokesperson for Jill Biden told The Washington Post, “It’s shameful to attack a private citizen defending her family. Karoline should focus on her job.” Supporters of the Bidens argue that expecting Jill to publicly question her husband’s health is unrealistic and cruel, especially post-presidency. A 2025 Pew poll shows 62% of Americans view personal attacks on former leaders as unacceptable, suggesting Leavitt’s comments may alienate moderates.
Leavitt, a staunch Trump ally, defended her remarks, framing them as a call for transparency. She pointed to the administration’s border security wins, with crossings down 93% per CBP data, and Trump’s 52% “right track” Rasmussen rating as evidence of public trust. Yet, her aggressive tone—echoing past attacks on figures like Kamala Harris—has drawn accusations of gaslighting, with MSNBC’s Joy Reid calling her “a mouthpiece for MAGA’s worst impulses.”
The controversy underscores the Trump administration’s strategy of personal attacks to shift focus from policy setbacks. Leavitt’s claim that Jill Biden insulted public intelligence has been criticized as projection, given Trump’s own history of dismissing critics as “stupid.” As the GOP pushes its agenda ahead of the 2026 midterms, Leavitt’s remarks risk further polarizing a nation already weary of divisive rhetoric, with calls for decency growing louder.
