Trump Calls Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt 'Nasty' in Chaotic WHCD Speech

Donald Trump labeled Karoline Leavitt as "nasty" during a chaotic White House Correspondents' Dinner speech, catching many off guard.

The event, delayed for three months due to an alleged assassination attempt involving an armed assailant, saw the 80-year-old president take the stage amid accusations of dozing off before his address.

While expected to target the media, Trump unexpectedly turned his attention to Leavitt, mocking her after she inadvertently embarrassed him regarding his "diaper." This moment came after he commented on the current president of the White House Correspondents' Association and the incoming leader.

He congratulated Leavitt on the birth of her second child, a daughter named Vivianna, born in May. "And congratulations are also in order for our favorite White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who just had her second child," he stated.

Trump continued, "You and your husband, he’s great, she’s done a fantastic job, we all love her. She’s done a fantastic job, she’s another one. She can be nasty!" His comment drew surprised laughter from attendees.

He added, "And sometimes she has no choice, right?" but quickly shifted back to praising her for managing the press. "But Karoline may have one of the hardest jobs in the White House. She has to deal with all of you, all of the time, and you can be very difficult. You can be very, very difficult people."

Leavitt had previously warned reporters that Trump's speech would be "vicious." She described it as a mix of unifying yet vicious, serious yet hilarious.

After taking maternity leave before the last White House Correspondents' Dinner, Leavitt returned briefly before departing again for several months. She officially resumed her duties in late June but was not seen in the White House briefing room until July 16.

CNN's Jim Acosta criticized Trump's speech on social media, calling it "rambling" and "unhinged," filled with hate and spite. He expressed that it was a disgrace and suggested that members of the press should have walked out.

"This dinner is a disgrace. Trump’s rambling, unhinged speech is full of hate and spite. Just spewing nastiness at his usual targets. Let’s not sanitize how truly ugly it was," he stated.