Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, is facing criticism after a photo of her working while feeding her nine-month-old son Nicholas went viral online. What some praised as a heartwarming display of work-life balance, others condemned as a calculated photo opportunity.
The moment was captured and shared on X by Margo Martin, a special assistant to the president and communications advisor, who posted the image with the caption: “Walked in to @PressSec typing with one hand and feeding her son with the other.” She even called Leavitt a “Super Mom.”
The photo appeared just before Leavitt’s first Mother’s Day in office, and at first glance, it seemed like a genuine reflection of the challenges working mothers face. Leavitt herself has spoken publicly about the demands of her dual roles. “I love my job as press secretary, but my favorite job of all is being a mother,” she said. She credited her support system—including her parents, husband, and others—for helping her navigate both responsibilities.
Leavitt encouraged other women by saying, “You can do it. Lean on your support system and prioritize your number one job, which is to be the best mom you can be.”
But despite the encouraging message, not everyone saw it that way. Critics quickly took to social media, accusing her of staging the moment for political optics. One user commented, “A bunch of federal workers had to go back to the office full time because they were accused of stuff like this. But it’s fine when they do it. Elites get to do whatever they want.”
The backlash highlights the double standards often placed on public figures—where one person’s “inspiring moment” is another’s “publicity stunt.” What’s clear is that the image sparked a broader conversation about motherhood, politics, and perception, especially in a world where every action can be praised or picked apart depending on who’s watching.