At a recent White House press conference, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt — the youngest in U.S. history at just 27 years old — has sparked intense controversy by declaring that President Donald Trump’s administration is considering not recognizing June as Pride Month. According to Leavitt, the decision stems from a critical stance toward what she called a “WOKE agenda” that, in her words, “does not deserve to be commemorated.” Her comments have unleashed a storm of reactions across social media, the press, and within the LGBT community, which now faces growing uncertainty following Trump’s return to power in 2025.
Leavitt, known for her direct style and loyalty to President Trump, stated during the briefing 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 said, attempting to soften her remarks. However, her subsequent comment describing the “WOKE culture” as something that “does not deserve to be commemorated” has been widely interpreted as an explicit rejection of Pride celebrations, which for decades have highlighted the struggles and achievements of the LGBT community in the U.S. and around the world.
Leavitt’s statement comes amid a politically polarized climate. During Trump’s first term (2017–2021), his administration implemented several policies that negatively affected the LGBT community, including the ban on transgender individuals serving in the military and the rollback of anti-discrimination protections in healthcare. Although Trump expressed support in 2019 for a global campaign to decriminalize homosexuality, his domestic record was viewed by many as contradictory. The absence of an official Pride Month proclamation during his first term had already drawn criticism, and Leavitt’s words now appear to reinforce that stance.
LGBT rights organizations have responded with concern. Groups such as Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD described Leavitt’s remarks as a setback in the fight for equality. “Refusing to recognize Pride Month sends a clear message of exclusion,” a GLAAD spokesperson said. Online, reactions have been mixed: some users praised Leavitt’s position, arguing that the government should prioritize other causes such as support for veterans, while others accused her of promoting divisive rhetoric that could incite discrimination.
Meanwhile, Republican congresswoman Mary Miller has further fueled the debate by proposing a resolution to declare June as “Family Month,” an effort to “reject the lie of Pride,” in her words. The initiative, supported by conservative organizations like Moms for America and the Family Research Council, aims to redirect the national conversation toward traditional values — a move that has deepened tensions in a country already divided by cultural and social issues.
Leavitt, who has become a key figure in Trump’s communication strategy, is no stranger to controversy. Her meteoric rise in politics — from serving as spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign to being appointed White House Press Secretary — has made her a symbol of a new generation of Republican leaders. Her communication style, often described as blunt yet charismatic, has earned her both admirers and critics. However, her recent statements have put her ability to navigate sensitive issues without intensifying division under serious scrutiny.
In the meantime, major U.S. retail chains have opted to scale back their Pride-related campaigns this year, according to a survey by Gravity Research. This decision, while voluntary, reflects the influence of the administration’s rhetoric on the private sector. Companies like Target, which faced significant backlash and financial losses in 2023 over inclusive product lines, have adopted a more cautious approach in 2025.
As June approaches, the LGBT community and its allies are preparing for a month likely marked by protests and mobilizations. The refusal to recognize Pride Month carries not only symbolic weight but could also shape public policy and the perception of the United States as an inclusive nation. For now, the White House has not provided further details on how this stance will be implemented, but Leavitt’s words have made it clear that the Trump administration is willing to challenge long-standing norms, igniting a debate that is expected to continue in the months ahead.