Karoline Leavitt sports drastic new look as she’s grilled about government shutdown
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed criticism of the administration while debuting a noticeable change in style on Fox News
Karoline Leavitt sports a new look(Image: Fox)
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom with Bill Hemmer this week wearing a noticeably different look than usual, as she answered questions on the ongoing government shutdown.
Instead of her trademark gold cross necklace, Leavitt sported a brown and tan plaid blazer over a plain white tee, paired with gold hoop earrings. Her hair was freshly curled for the appearance. The absence of the necklace, which she often wears as a public display of her Christian faith and conservative identity, has drawn speculation in recent weeks, with some commentators suggesting it may be a deliberate choice during particularly high-profile moments.
Leavitt used the interview to put the blame for the government shutdown squarely on Democrats. “The Democrats know that they put the White House and the president in this position. And if they don’t want further harm for their constituents back home, then they need to reopen the government. It’s very simple. Pass the clean continuing resolution and all of this goes away,” she told viewers.
She added, “We would not be having these discussions here at the White House today if not for the Democrats voting to shut the government down. This is an unfortunate consequence, and the president and Russ Vought will be meeting on that later today.”
Bill Hemmer questions Karoline Leavitt(Image: Fox)
The comments come at a time when President Trump is signaling a tougher stance in the budget standoff.
He has announced that he will meet with Vought, his budget director and a central figure in shaping conservative policy blueprints, to discuss the next steps in the shutdown.
Already, the White House has frozen or canceled billions in federal funds, including major infrastructure projects in states like New York.
Critics have argued that these moves are political punishment, while the administration has defended them as necessary measures in a budget crisis.
Some observers have also pointed to the influence of Project 2025, a controversial conservative policy plan linked to Vought, noting that Trump previously downplayed knowledge of it but is now consulting directly with one of its authors.
Following her Fox News appearance, Leavitt’s office posted a clip of her remarks on social media, prompting swift reaction.
Leavitt blames Dems for government shutdown(Image: Fox)
One user wrote, “Trump’s the one stalling to gut ACA subsidies that save families from huge premium hikes. Polls pin more blame on Republicans. Trump and Vought’s meeting? Likely more cuts, not solutions.”
Another asked, “Don’t the Republicans control the house and senate?”
One user posting, “This is a republican owned shutdown,” while another said, “The republicans control everything, and the republicans shut down our government.”
A fifth commenter added, “He denied knowing Project 2025. Now he’s scheduling meetings with the author.”
The ongoing shutdown has affected thousands of federal workers and put pressure on services nationwide. While the administration maintains that Democrats forced the crisis, polling has shown more Americans blaming Republicans, who currently hold both chambers of Congress.
