Karoline Leavitt Ditches Signature Cross Necklace After Jon Stewart’s Criticism

In a noticeable change at the White House press briefing on June 3, Karoline Leavitt, the youngest-ever White House press secretary, appeared without her usual cross necklace. This shift in her attire came just days after comedian Jon Stewart made a biting joke about her during an episode of The Daily Show, drawing widespread attention on social media and among political commentators.

The Missing Necklace: A Symbolic Move?

Leavitt, known for her polished professional look, was dressed in a navy blue blazer with gold buttons, paired with a matching skirt and sharp black heels. However, her iconic cross necklace—a symbol she has worn consistently during her press briefings—was noticeably absent. This shift in her appearance quickly caught the attention of those following the briefings, especially after Stewart’s recent comments about her.

On the The Daily Show, Stewart had joked about the size of Leavitt’s cross, stating, “The more she lies, the bigger her cross gets. Is that possible? It’s like some sort of weird Pinocchio cross.” Stewart’s humor didn’t stop there; he further poked fun at Leavitt’s position within the Trump administration, suggesting that “the only one who’s going to come out of there unscathed is Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Because I don’t think that she has any principles in there left to die!”

While the quip was a pointed jab at Leavitt, Stewart did acknowledge the pressure of her role, stating, “I’m not even upset with this lady. Because just rolling with the punches is clearly the only strategy for happiness when you’re working for Trump.”

Public Reactions: Criticism and Support

The absence of her signature cross immediately sparked reactions online, with some social media users weighing in on the situation. A Reddit user commented, “Dear Ms. Leavitt, since your party clearly doesn’t espouse the teachings of Jesus, it would probably be best to not wear that cross around your neck during briefings. You’d look less hypocritical.” Another critic added, “She’s wearing a fashion statement, it’s not a symbol of her beliefs.”

Others have also weighed in, accusing Leavitt of being “a fake Christian” and pointing out the disconnect between her role in the Trump administration and the values that some associate with Christianity. “The Trump administration is as far from the teachings of Jesus as you can get,” one commenter wrote. “She and all the other fake Christians in the Republican party are a bunch of hypocrites.”

While these comments have sparked controversy, Leavitt has long defended her faith and emphasized its importance to her. She has spoken publicly about the role her faith plays in her personal and professional life, especially in light of the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with being in the public eye.

In a 2025 interview with CBN News, she said, “My faith is incredibly important to me, I would argue, now more than ever, being in a role that is very demanding and at times controversial, and there’s a lot of public pressure and discussion online about who you are and your family.”

The Bigger Picture: Faith and Politics in the Spotlight

Leavitt’s absence of the cross necklace could be seen as a simple wardrobe choice, but given the timing of Stewart’s remarks, it’s impossible not to consider whether this is a subtle response to the criticism she’s faced. Her decision to not wear the necklace may not be a direct statement, but it certainly invites speculation about her position on the matter and her relationship with her public image.

While many continue to scrutinize her faith and personal beliefs in the context of her political role, Leavitt remains resolute in her stance. “With faith, all things are possible,” she said in her CBN News interview, underscoring the role that religion plays in her life.

The absence of the cross necklace may be a minor adjustment, but it highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the intersection of personal beliefs and public life. For Karoline Leavitt, it remains to be seen whether the necklace’s absence will have any lasting impact on her role or if it will simply fade as another fleeting moment in the complex world of political media.

Conclusion: A New Chapter, But the Controversy Continues

Whether or not Leavitt’s decision to forgo the cross necklace is a reflection of the media storm surrounding her, the incident only adds to the mounting discussions about her role in the White House and her portrayal in the media. As Leavitt continues to navigate the tumultuous world of political reporting, her faith, her actions, and how she presents herself to the public will remain key points of discussion in the months to come.

In the end, her ability to weather the storm and stay focused on her duties as White House press secretary will be the true measure of her resilience—necklace or not.