Chinese diplomat sparks online firestorm by pointing out that Karoline Leavitt’s dress lace may have come from China — critics call it hypocrisy, supporters say it’s misinformation.
April 15, 2025: The ongoing US-China trade war found an unexpected battleground this week: the White House podium. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt faced a social media storm after Chinese diplomat Zhang Zhisheng claimed that the lace on her dress was manufactured in China — despite the Trump administration’s staunch anti-China trade stance.
Zhang, China’s Consul General in Denpasar, Indonesia, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the lace matched material produced in Mabu, China, referencing a Weibo user who claimed to work at the factory.
“Accusing China is business. Buying in China is life,” Zhang quipped, suggesting a disconnect between political rhetoric and consumer reality.
The post quickly sparked reactions on both sides of the debate.
While some netizens called out Leavitt for hypocrisy — criticizing China while allegedly wearing Chinese-made products — others defended her, calling the accusation baseless. Some pointed out that Chinese factories often produce knockoffs of foreign designs, suggesting the online listing Zhang shared was a replica.
“Fake news. She’s wearing the French original; the Chinese website is showing a copy,” one user argued.
“Leavitt slams ‘Made in China’ while rocking a Chinese-made lace dress — classic politician move,” another posted.
Supporters rushed to her defence, dismissing the claims as spin and misinformation. “It’s funny, but dishonest,” one person wrote.
Meanwhile, critics used the moment to recall that former President Donald Trump’s MAGA merchandise had long been reported to be made in China — despite his vocal anti-China messaging.
With tensions between the two global superpowers rising and trade policies under intense scrutiny, this wardrobe controversy illustrates how geopolitical debates are now being fought not just in boardrooms or summits — but on clothing labels and social media timelines.
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