A Chinese diplomat criticized the White House press secretary’s dress for allegedly using Chinese lace, igniting controversy about trade policy and public hypocrisy.
The ongoing Karoline Leavitt China dress controversy became a flashpoint in US-China relations after a Chinese official claimed her outfit featured lace made in China.
Chinese Diplomat Calls Out Karoline Leavitt’s ‘Made in China’ dress
Chinese diplomat Zhang Zhisheng, Consul General in Denpasar, Indonesia, posted on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the White House press secretary of hypocrisy over her fashion choice.
Zhang shared screenshots from Chinese platform Weibo, where users claimed the lace came from a factory in Mabu, China, identifying it as their product.
“Accusing China is business. Buying in China is life. The beautiful lace on the dress was recognized by an employee of a Chinese company as its product,” diplomat Zhang wrote on X.
Social media users fiercely debated whether the dress was genuinely made in China or simply a knockoff of a luxury design.
The image quickly went viral, with Twitter users divided—some defended Leavitt, while others called out a perceived double standard in her messaging.
Social media reaction
Some accused Karoline Leavitt of hypocrisy for wearing Chinese-made products while publicly slamming China. However, others defended her.
One user wrote, “Chinese people are notorious for bootlegs. It’s more likely that they copied a French designer’s dress and claimed it as theirs.”
Another commented, “She’s wearing the original. That website is showing a Chinese imitation. The post’s spin is deliberately misleading and dishonest.”
“Leavitt slams China publicly but buys Chinese lace? That’s rich. Tariffs for show—cheap dresses for real life. Classic politician,” one critic posted online.
Critics say Leavitt’s actions contradict Trump’s economic message
He argue the White House press secretary’s actions clash with the administration’s message on economic independence.
They point to a contradiction in promoting American manufacturing while wearing foreign-made products. The backlash over her dress reignited debate on Trump’s trade policies.
It also renewed focus on tariffs and the “America First” approach to domestic production.
“Strutting in Chinese lace while bashing China? That’s some world-class irony,” said another user, highlighting the tension between image and policy.
Some critics pointed out that Donald Trump’s MAGA merchandise was made in China. They argued this has undermined the administration’s economic messaging since 2016.
They noted, “Trump talks tough, but his hats and shirts are stamped ‘Made in China.’ The double standard runs deep.”
Supporters say the online dress accusations are speculative and based on unverified Chinese claims, possibly as propaganda.
Defenders argued the claims may be part of a broader Chinese propaganda effort. They believe it aims to expose inconsistencies in U.S. foreign policy narratives.
“Even if it looks the same, that doesn’t prove it’s from China,” one supporter said. “Plenty of fakes circulate online for political bait.”
The dress in question has not been officially identified or sourced, and Leavitt has not commented on its origins as of this writing.
Still, the debate has stirred tensions between the two nations. US-China relations remain fragile amid disputes over trade, technology, and military issues.