In December 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt became a trending topic on social media due to a Vanity Fair photoshoot. The high-definition portraits, intended to coincide with an interview about President Donald Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, instead ignited controversy, particularly surrounding one extreme close-up image of Leavitt taken by photographer Christopher Anderson.
The focus of the online debate primarily concerns Leavitt’s appearance in the close-up photo, where some viewers have interpreted the tiny red marks around her lips as signs of recent cosmetic procedures. This speculation prompted comments questioning whether the marks were related to lip fillers, with various users expressing their surprise and concern over her altered appearance. Critics have since linked the image to what they refer to as the “Mar-a-Lago face,” a term often used to discuss specific cosmetic enhancements seen in individuals closely associated with Trump’s administration. Social media users have also created collages comparing her current appearance to older photographs.
Following the release of the article featuring her image, Leavitt addressed the situation on X (formerly Twitter), but her comments were directed towards defending Susie Wiles against what she described as a “hit piece.” Notably, she did not address the allegations regarding her own appearance or any potential cosmetic work. Attempts by news outlets, including The Daily Beast, to secure her representatives’ comments on the topic have so far gone unanswered.
In addition to the reactions focused on Leavitt’s face, both Vanity Fair and photographer Christopher Anderson faced criticism for the portrayal of her image. Observers have suggested that the magazine may have intentionally chosen a cropped photo with unflattering lighting to accentuate skin imperfections, possibly undermining Leavitt’s public image. Some critics believe that this editorial choice aligns with the article’s characterization of Leavitt as a “mouthpiece,” creating a visual narrative that emphasizes an artificial persona.
Karoline Leavitt, now 28, is currently the 36th White House Press Secretary, having taken on the role in January 2025. At just 27, she became the youngest person in U.S. history to hold this position. On a personal note, she married 32-year-old real estate developer Nicholas Riccio shortly after her appointment. Leavitt also made headlines for returning to work just a week after giving birth to their son, Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio, following an incident involving an attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
The reactions to her Vanity Fair photo underscore the scrutiny public figures face regarding their appearance, especially within the context of politically charged environments. Insights into viewers’ perceptions of her image raise questions about the pressures faced by women in leadership roles and how media framing can influence public opinion.