BREAKING: Karoline Leavitt says the US is considering refusing to celebrate Pride Month. She claims that “WOKE doesn’t deserve to be commemorated.”
At a recent White House press conference, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the youngest in US history at just 27, sparked intense controversy by declaring that President Donald Trump’s administration is considering not recognizing June as Pride Month. According to Leavitt, the decision responds to a critical stance toward what she called a “Woke agenda” that, in her words, “doesn’t deserve to be commemorated.” These statements have unleashed a whirlwind of reactions on social media, in the media, and among the LGBT community, which faces an uncertain outlook following Trump’s return to power in 2025.
Leavitt, known for her direct style and loyalty to President Trump, noted during the conference that there are “no plans” to issue a presidential proclamation officially recognizing Pride Month, a tradition established by previous presidents such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. “President Trump is proud to be a president for all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or creed,” she stated, attempting to qualify her remarks.
However, her subsequent comment about “WOKE” culture as something “not worthy of commemoration” has been interpreted by many as an explicit rejection of Pride celebrations, which for decades have highlighted the struggles and achievements of the LGBT community in the United States and around the world.
Leavitt’s statement comes amid polarizing politics. During Trump’s first term (2017-2021), his administration implemented policies that negatively impacted the LGBT community, such as banning transgender people from the military and eliminating anti-discrimination protections in healthcare.
Although Trump expressed support for a global campaign to decriminalize homosexuality on social media in 2019, his domestic actions have been viewed by many as contradictory. The absence of an official Pride Month proclamation during his first term had already generated criticism, and Leavitt’s remarks appear to reinforce this stance.
LGBT rights organizations have reacted with concern. Groups such as the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD have called Leavitt’s statements a setback in the fight for equality. “Refusing to recognize Pride Month sends a clear message of exclusion,” a GLAAD spokesperson said. On social media, users have expressed both support and outrage. Some messages support Leavitt’s position, arguing that the government should prioritize other causes, such as supporting veterans, while others accuse her of promoting divisive discourse that could incite discrimination.
Meanwhile, Republican Congresswoman Mary Miller has further fueled the debate by proposing a resolution declaring June as “Family Month,” in an attempt to “reject the lie of Pride,” in her words. This initiative, supported by conservative organizations such as Moms for America and the Family Research Council, seeks to reorient the narrative toward traditional values, which has intensified tensions in a country already divided by cultural and social issues.
Leavitt, who has established herself as a key figure in the Trump administration’s communications, is no stranger to controversy. Her meteoric rise in politics, from her work as a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign to her appointment as press secretary, has made her a symbol of the new generation of Republican leaders. Her communicative style, described as forceful yet charismatic, has won her both admirers and critics. However, her recent statements have put her ability to navigate sensitive issues without exacerbating divisions at the center of debate.
Meanwhile, major retail chains in the United States have opted to scale back their Pride-related campaigns this year, according to a survey by Gravity Research. This decision, although optional, reflects the impact of the administration’s rhetoric on the private sector. Companies like Target, which faced significant losses in 2023 after promoting inclusive products, have taken a more cautious approach in 2025.
As June approaches, the LGBT community and its allies are preparing for a month that could be marked by protests and mobilizations. The refusal to recognize Pride Month not only has symbolic implications but could also influence public policy and the perception of the United States as an inclusive country.
For now, the White House has not provided further details on how this stance will be implemented, but Leavitt’s remarks have made it clear that the Trump administration is willing to challenge established norms, fueling a debate that promises to spread in the coming months.