On a recent episode of “The Daily Show,” veteran comedian Jon Stewart once again set social media ablaze by taking aim at one of the rising stars of the White House, Karoline Leavitt, President Trump’s newly appointed press secretary. This time, however, the target was not just her political statements, but… a cross necklace.

“Pinocchio’s Cross”: When Faith Is Mocked

“Has anyone noticed?” Stewart began his sarcasm. “Every time Karoline lies, her cross gets bigger. I’m not kidding. It swells like Pinocchio’s nose. Maybe the White House is trying out some new technology—‘moral feedback crosses.’”

The studio audience laughed, but outside, millions of people were divided into two camps. One side thought it was a great joke; The other side said that Stewart had crossed the line and disrespected personal beliefs.

It is worth noting that at the press conference the next day, Karoline Leavitt – who often appeared in public with a cross necklace as a personal statement – suddenly stopped wearing it. This caused the media and public opinion to speculate: Did Stewart really change her?

Although there was no official statement from Leavitt, an inside source revealed to The Daily Wire that the female Secretary “wanted the press to focus on policy, not on the neck accessory”.

Jon Stewart has long been known as the “critical conscience of the media” – someone who dares to speak out and criticize both sides of American politics. However, when targeting a religious symbol – especially in the context of America being deeply divided politically and morally – many opinions say that he is “playing with fire”.

Leavitt’s supporters—especially those in the conservative community—said Stewart was deliberately trying to undermine a young woman because she was a person of faith and served in the Trump administration. Some even called it “anti-Christianity disguised as comedy.”

Karoline Leavitt, born in 1997, is the youngest White House press secretary in US history. She is a former spokesperson for the MAGA campaign and ran for Congress in New Hampshire. In addition to her youth and sharpness, Leavitt has also attracted attention for her staunch conservative views and unwavering loyalty to former President Trump.

It is this “distinct difference” that has made her an easy target for the liberal media—and Stewart is not the first.

This story is more than just a TV joke. It raises a larger question: Is the media going too far in mocking personal faith? Or will religious symbols, when brought to the political stage, no longer be protected by sacred boundaries?

While the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Karoline Leavitt is no longer a behind-the-scenes figure. She is becoming an icon – whether to be admired or to be attacked. And Jon Stewart, with his usual sharp satire, has once again pushed the American media war into new waters – where the line between humor and offense has never been so thin.