Key Points
- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s red lace dress sparked a social media storm amid the escalating US-China trade war.
- Chinese diplomat Zhang Zhisheng claimed the dress’s lace was made in China, highlighting the irony of US officials criticizing China while using Chinese products.
- Social media users were divided: some accused Leavitt of hypocrisy, while others argued the dress was a European original and Chinese websites were selling knockoffs.
- The controversy reignited debates about double standards in trade, with many pointing out that Trump’s own MAGA merchandise has long been made in China.
- The White House has not commented on the incident, which underscores how trade tensions now play out in unexpected arenas like fashion.
New Delhi: As the US-China trade war intensifies, a new front has opened—not in boardrooms or factories, but on the White House podium. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt found herself at the center of a viral controversy after Chinese diplomat Zhang Zhisheng accused her of wearing a dress made in China, despite the Trump administration’s tough stance on Chinese imports.
How the Controversy Began
The debate erupted after Leavitt appeared at a White House briefing in a striking red and black lace dress. Zhang, China’s Consul General in Denpasar, Indonesia, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the lace on Leavitt’s dress was recognized by a Chinese factory worker as being produced in Mabu, a town known for its textile industry. He wrote, “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”.
Zhang’s post included images of Leavitt’s dress alongside screenshots from Chinese social media, where users claimed the lace was manufactured in their factory. The post quickly went viral, igniting a heated debate about trade, authenticity, and political optics.
Social Media Reactions: Hypocrisy or Misinformation?
The internet was sharply divided. Critics accused Leavitt of hypocrisy for criticizing China while allegedly wearing Chinese-made clothing. “Leavitt slams ‘Made in China’ while rocking a Chinese-made dress, hypocrisy much? Tariffs hit hard, but her wardrobe says she’s all for it. Classic politician move: blame China, but keep the cheap goods,” one user wrote.
Others defended Leavitt, arguing that the dress was likely a European original possibly from the London-based label Self-Portrait, which is owned by a Chinese conglomerate but designs in Europe. Some suggested the Chinese website was selling a counterfeit version, a common issue in global fashion. “Fake news. She’s wearing the French original whereas the advert shows a Chinese copy. It’s funny indeed, but the spin of the tweet is dishonest,” another user countered.
Broader Trade War Ironies
The incident reignited discussion about double standards in US-China trade relations. Many pointed out that former President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) merchandise has been produced in China since 2016, despite his administration’s vocal push for American-made goods.
The controversy also highlights the complexities of global supply chains, where even high-profile officials may inadvertently wear products with international origins, blurring the lines between political rhetoric and everyday consumer choices.
No Official Response Yet
As of now, neither Leavitt nor the White House has issued an official statement on the dress’s origins or the online uproar. The episode underscores how, in today’s hyper-connected world, even fashion choices can become flashpoints in international disputes.
