Gavin Newsom's MAGA Moment: Karoline Leavitt's Fashion Choice Sparks a Political Storm
In a bold move, California Governor Gavin Newsom has reignited a controversial debate by drawing a parallel between Karoline Leavitt, a 28-year-old press secretary, and a MAGA-triggering incident involving President Barack Obama. Newsom's attention-grabbing tactic revolves around a simple fashion choice: Leavitt's tan blazer.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Leavitt, adorned in her signature cross pendant, stood out in a tan blazer. Newsom, in a playful yet provocative manner, shared an image of Leavitt alongside a throwback photo of Obama in his infamous tan suit, sparking a debate about who wore the color better.
The memory of Obama's tan suit has deep political roots. In 2014, Obama's appearance in a tan suit during a press briefing on the U.S. military's response to ISIS caused a stir among conservatives. It became a controversial topic, with talk shows and Republican lawmakers criticizing the color as unpresidential and inappropriate for military discussions.
The reaction was intense, with GOP Rep. Peter King calling Obama's attire a party outfit and Fox host Lou Dobbs expressing shock. Obama himself later humorously addressed the scandal, opening his final press conference in 2017 with a playful reference to the tan suit, and even sharing a photo of himself in the suit alongside Kamala Harris at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Leavitt, during the same press briefing, tackled more pressing issues, including escalating violence in Minnesota and President Donald Trump's controversial statements about canceling the midterms. However, her fashion choice remained the focus, with Newsom's post generating a mix of reactions.
Leavitt's response to the criticism was swift, defending Trump's jokes and addressing a veteran reporter's challenge regarding the administration's handling of ICE. Meanwhile, the Daily Beast revealed that Leavitt's favorite clothing brand, Tuckernuck, is now associated with MAGA, as powerful MAGA clients have embraced the brand, turning it into a status symbol.
Newsom's approach, while controversial, highlights the enduring impact of political fashion choices and the ongoing debates they can spark.
