Trump Spokeswoman Calls Gen Z ‘Lazy’ and Suggests Sending Them to Iran

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt unleashed a brutal critique of her own generation, branding them “lazy” and proposing they be sent off to serve in Cuba or Iran.

Fresh from two months of maternity leave after giving birth to her second child, Leavitt echoed sentiments from Fox News host Jesse Watters, who claimed younger adults have “never had real jobs” while whining about high costs in the U.S.

Watters was dissecting the rise of young, leftist candidates in recent primaries, whom President Donald Trump has labeled as “communists.”

“Things are expensive when you don’t have a real job,” Watters asserted during his Thursday segment. He pressed Leavitt on whether this complaint was gaining traction.

“Unfortunately, I do because this generation, my generation, and I hate to say it, Gen Z and those younger than me have been raised with just silver spoons in their mouths, just getting everything handed to them,” the 28-year-old Leavitt stated, dismissing the values she claims America was built upon.

She emphasized that America was founded on meritocracy and hard work, insisting that the nation must protect these ideals fiercely.

Watters then pointed out Leavitt’s salary of $195,200, questioning if it was “laziness” that plagued Gen Z. He suggested that liberal educators were responsible for their poor work ethic.

“It’s laziness and it’s liberal indoctrination,” Leavitt shot back, commending parents who opted for homeschooling and Christian education.

“They don’t want their children being taught these communist and liberal ideas slammed down their throat,” she added.

Watters proposed that misbehaving young people should be forced into military service.

“Or send them to Cuba, send them to Iran,” Leavitt responded with enthusiasm. “They’ll wanna come back real quick.”

Young adults are grappling with soaring living costs, student loan debt, and a sluggish job market. A report from Realtor.com revealed that a staggering 25.2 million adults under 35 lived with their parents in 2025 due to these pressures. Among 25-34-year-olds residing at home, 70 percent are employed.

In reaction to the clip featuring Leavitt and Watters, critics urged young voters to remember these remarks as they approach the midterms and the 2028 presidential election.

CNN political analyst Ronald Brownstein remarked, “Yes the reason young people are not getting ahead, or reaching life milestones nearly as fast as their parents, is because there is a massive epidemic of sloth. No structural headwinds—just personal failure. Great messaging strategy as Gen Z reaches 1/6 of eligible voters in 2028.”

Another critic warned Gen Z to take note: “Pay attention to @PressSec here Gen Z … she just said you’re lazy and that’s why you can’t afford gas, groceries, rent, healthcare, and utilities. Vote accordingly in November!”

One commenter noted, “Once again Trump's White House says they don't need to do anything about affordability because the problem is just spoiled & lazy Americans that don't want to work.”

Another observer pointed out the disconnect: “Two privileged people who are so privileged that they aren’t aware of how out-of-touch they sound.”

“It’s shocking to see how much contempt they have for working families,” another added.

Additionally, reports surfaced indicating that Leavitt’s failed 2022 congressional campaign still carries over $326,000 in debt according to federal filings.