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Karoline Leavitt Faces Backlash After Defending Trump’s Immigration Policies on Social Media
Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, found herself amid controversy on social media after posting praise for former President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts. On July 9, Leavitt took to X to share a message claiming, “President Trump’s Immigration Enforcement Really Is Slashing Violent Crime,” along with a link to a conservative publication asserting that violent crime rates are at historic lows.
While some Trump supporters credited the administration for this decline, crime experts have pointed out that the reduction in violent crime began following a pandemic-related spike around 2020-well before Trump’s return to office in January 2025. This timeline has led many critics to challenge Leavitt’s claims and engage her in heated discussions.
In addition to the policy debate, some comments targeted Leavitt’s personal life, notably her marriage to 60-year-old Nicholas Riccio, highlighting the significant age gap between them. Leavitt recently welcomed her second child with Riccio, a fact that also drew attention.
Responses on X ranged from dismissive remarks about Leavitt’s motives to sharp criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of violent crime. One user wrote, “Shooting old men on their way to work is not doing anyone any good,” while another accused Leavitt of spreading falsehoods, warning, “20 years from now, when your children ask why you lied for Trump every day, what will you say?”
Other commenters challenged the accuracy of crime data cited by Leavitt, describing reports as “absolute garbage” and condemning what they see as political spin. Some users also pointed to recent violent incidents, including murders in Houston and Minneapolis, to counter the narrative of declining crime.
Regarding her marriage, Leavitt has openly acknowledged the initial concerns her parents had about her relationship with Riccio, who is 32 years her senior. Speaking on the Pod Force One with Miranda Devine podcast, she said, “It’s definitely a challenging conversation to have at first,” but added that her family grew to accept and appreciate Riccio’s character and devotion.
Despite the controversy, Leavitt appears unbothered by the criticisms, focusing instead on her professional responsibilities and family life as she balances the demands of motherhood and her role in the White House.