Trump spokeswoman Leavitt returns and glibly trolls ‘lazy’ Gen Zers: ‘Send them to Iran’

Your support helps us to tell the story Read more Support Now From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a damning assessment of her fellow Gen Zers, calling them “lazy” and suggesting they should be shipped off to serve in Cuba or Iran.

Leavitt, who has just returned from two months’ maternity leave following the birth in May of her second child, agreed with Fox News host Jesse Watters that younger adults have “never had real jobs and they’re complaining things are expensive in the U.S.”

Watters was discussing the sweep of young, Democratic leftist candidates in the recent primary elections, whom President Donald Trump has labeled “communists.”

“Things are expensive when you don’t have a real job,” the MAGA-aligned anchor told Leavitt Thursday on Jesse Watters Primetime. “Do you think that’s getting traction? Complaining?”

“Unfortunately, I do because this generation, my generation, and I hate to say it, Gen Z and those younger than me have been raised with just silver spoons in their mouths, just getting everything handed to them,” 28-year-old Leavitt said, adding that those were not the values America was built on.

open image in gallery White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a damning assessment of her fellow Gen Zers, calling them ‘lazy’ and suggesting they should join the Army ( Fox News )

“It was built on meritocracy and hard work, pulling up your sleeves, pulling yourself up from your bootstraps, and achieving the American dream, and we need to protect it with all we’ve got,” she said.

Watters then asked Leavitt, who earns a salary of $195,200, whether it was “laziness” and suggested that liberal professors and teachers were to blame for Gen Z’s work ethic.

“It’s laziness and it’s liberal indoctrination,” Leavitt replied, before praising parents who had turned to homeschooling and Christian schools.

“They don’t want their children being taught these communist and liberal ideas slammed down their throat,” she said.

Watters then suggested forcing young people to join the Army “if they misbehave.”

“Or send them to Cuba, send them to Iran,” Leavitt said gleefully. “They’ll wanna come back real quick.”

open image in gallery Critics responded by telling young voters to remember Leavitt’s comments ahead of the midterms and 2028 presidential election ( PA )

Young people have not been immune to the high cost of living, student loan debt, and tepid job market. According to a recent report by Realtor.com, a record 25.2 million adults under 35 lived with their parents in 2025 as a result. Of 25-34-year-olds living with their parents, 70 percent are employed, the report found.

In response to the clip of Leavitt and Watters, posted on X by Meidas Touch’s Acyn Torabi, critics responded by telling young voters to remember the comments ahead of the midterms and 2028 presidential election.

“Yes the reason young people are not getting ahead, or reaching life milestones nearly as fast as their parents, is because there is a massive epidemic of sloth,” remarked CNN’s political analyst Ronald Brownstein. “No structural headwinds-just personal failure. Great messaging strategy as Gen Z reaches 1/6 of eligible voters in 2028.”

“Pay attention to @PressSec here Gen Z … she just said you’re lazy and that’s why you can’t afford gas, groceries, rent, healthcare, and utilities,” said another. “Vote accordingly in November!”

“Once again Trump's White House says they don't need to do anything about affordability, because the problem is just spoiled & lazy Americans that don't want to work,” someone else posted.

“Two privileged people who are so privileged that they aren’t aware of how out-of-touch they sound,” another said.

“It’s shocking to see how much contempt they have for working families,” another commented.

Others highlighted a recent report that Leavitt’s failed 2022 congressional campaign still owes more than $326,000 in debt, according to federal filings.