Karoline Leavitt’s Alleged Refusal to Celebrate Pride Month: Fact or Fabrication?
A recent claim circulating on social media alleges that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced her refusal to celebrate Pride Month in June, reportedly stating that “‘WOKE’ doesn’t deserve to be celebrated” and urging people to focus on intellectual development and politics instead. As of June 4, 2025, this provocative claim has sparked significant debate, but no credible evidence supports its authenticity. The statement appears to be misinformation, likely spread to provoke division or exploit Leavitt’s high-profile role. This article examines the origins of the claim, its context, and the broader implications of such narratives in today’s polarized media landscape.
The alleged quote surfaced through posts on X, where users shared variations of the statement attributed to Leavitt. The use of the term “WOKE” and the dismissal of Pride Month align with polarizing rhetoric often seen in online culture wars. However, no major news outlet, including CNN, The Washington Post, or Fox News, has reported Leavitt making such a statement. A search for her comments on Pride Month yields no evidence of her publicly addressing the topic in this manner. The absence of corroboration from reputable sources, combined with the quote’s inflammatory tone, suggests it may be a fabrication or misattribution.
Karoline Leavitt, who became White House Press Secretary in 2025, has a history of vocal conservative advocacy, having served as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik and as a congressional candidate in New Hampshire in 2022. While she has criticized progressive policies, including “wokeness,” her public statements typically focus on policy issues like economic reform or immigration. The alleged statement’s emphasis on “intellectual development and politics” seems crafted to align with her image as a sharp political communicator, but its harsh rejection of Pride Month is inconsistent with her professional focus on policy over cultural controversies.
The claim’s spread reflects a broader trend of misinformation targeting public figures. For example, in April 2025, a fake Fox News chyron falsely attributed a quote to Leavitt claiming people would “love tariffs” if they avoided “woke things like math.” This was debunked as a doctored screenshot from a February 2025 interview. The current Pride Month claim follows a similar pattern, with inflammatory language designed to provoke reactions. Posts on X, including one from @Moms4Liberty claiming the Trump administration would not recognize Pride Month, have fueled speculation, but these lack verification from official sources.
If Leavitt had made such a statement, it would mark a significant escalation from her previous public comments. Her role requires navigating sensitive issues carefully, and a statement as divisive as the alleged one would risk alienating segments of the public and media. In January 2025, Leavitt defended the administration against accusations of marginalizing LGBTQ+ communities, citing the appointment of Scott Bessent, a high-ranking LGBTQ official, as evidence of inclusivity. This contrasts sharply with the alleged quote’s exclusionary tone, further undermining its credibility.
The claim’s reference to “intellectual development and politics” as alternatives to celebrating Pride Month feels oddly specific, likely crafted to resonate with Leavitt’s reputation as a strategic communicator. However, no evidence suggests she has linked these concepts to a rejection of Pride Month. The broader political context shows the Trump administration has avoided officially recognizing Pride Month, as confirmed by Leavitt in a June 2025 briefing, but this is distinct from a personal refusal or the alleged inflammatory statement.
This incident highlights the dangers of misinformation in shaping public perception. False quotes attributed to figures like Leavitt can fuel division, harm marginalized communities, and undermine trust in public discourse. For the public, verifying information through credible sources is essential to avoid amplifying falsehoods. Platforms like X, while valuable for real-time updates, can also spread unverified claims when users fail to question their origins. As discussions around inclusivity continue, skepticism toward sensational claims is crucial. For now, Leavitt remains focused on her role as press secretary, with no evidence suggesting she made the alleged statement or personally refused to celebrate Pride Month.
