Story perspectives

Leavitt's Controversial Reply Fuels Trump-Putin Meeting Backlash

10/23/2025

36 4

Center

Leavitt Faces Backlash

Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, faced backlash for a dismissive reply to a Huffington Post reporter about Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Leavitt posted a text exchange calling the reporter a “left-wing hack.”
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet Putin in Budapest, tied to 1994 Budapest Memorandum.
The meeting draws criticism because Hungary allies with Putin and has withdrawn from the International Criminal Court, with no date set.

Left

Hegseth's Controversial Tie

Pete Hegseth's white, blue, and red striped tie during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sparked controversy, as it resembled the Russian flag.
Russian officials and state media interpreted the tie as allegiance to the Kremlin.
Vice President JD Vance dismissed the claims, saying the tie represented American colors.
Menswear writer Derek Guy reported the tie was made in Thailand.

1 of 2

Leavitt Faces Backlash

Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, faced backlash for a dismissive reply to a Huffington Post reporter about Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Leavitt posted a text exchange calling the reporter a “left-wing hack.”
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to meet Putin in Budapest, tied to 1994 Budapest Memorandum.
The meeting draws criticism because Hungary allies with Putin and has withdrawn from the International Criminal Court, with no date set.

1 / 2