BREAKING NEWS: Karoline Leavitt Says She’s Rejecting Pride Month in June—She Says ‘WOKE’ Doesn’t Deserve to Be Commemorated, Reasons…

Karoline Leavitt, a rising star in conservative political circles and former Republican congressional candidate, has ignited a national debate after publicly stating that she will not be recognizing Pride Month this June. Citing what she calls the “radicalization of the WOKE movement,” Leavitt claims Pride Month no longer represents inclusion but instead, “a political agenda that divides Americans.”

Her comments, made during a segment on a conservative news channel and later amplified via social media, have drawn both fierce criticism and passionate support—further underscoring the ideological rift over LGBTQ+ visibility in American public life.

“I will not be celebrating Pride Month,” Leavitt said on Tuesday morning. “It’s not about tolerance anymore. It’s about forcing Americans to comply with a far-left worldview that undermines our faith, our traditions, and our values.”

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Who is Karoline Leavitt? Meet Donald Trump's Catholic press secretary -  Deacon Greg Kandra

A Rising Voice on the Right

At just 27 years old, Karoline Leavitt has become a vocal figure among a new generation of conservative commentators. A former press aide in the Trump White House and frequent cable news contributor, Leavitt is known for her unfiltered style and strong positions on cultural issues.

Her rejection of Pride Month aligns with a broader push among some conservative politicians and commentators to push back against what they describe as “woke ideology”—a term increasingly used on the right to criticize progressive social movements, particularly those focused on race, gender, and LGBTQ+ rights.

“This isn’t about hating anyone,” Leavitt clarified. “It’s about refusing to be forced to celebrate something I don’t agree with. That is my right as an American.”

Mixed Reactions Across the Political Spectrum

The backlash was swift and widespread. Civil rights organizations and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups condemned the remarks as regressive and harmful.

“Karoline Leavitt is using her platform to pander to anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment under the guise of ‘traditional values,’” said Sarah Ellis, president of GLAAD. “This type of rhetoric contributes to a climate of intolerance at a time when LGBTQ+ individuals face increasing threats and discrimination.”

On the other hand, Leavitt’s supporters praised her for taking a stand.

“She’s one of the few public figures willing to push back against the corporate virtue signaling and ideological coercion we see every June,” tweeted conservative commentator Matt Walsh.

Others in the GOP, including some sitting members of Congress, offered more cautious support, echoing Leavitt’s call for “freedom of belief” while avoiding direct criticism of Pride Month itself.Karoline Leavitt, youngest White House press secretary, takes to the podium  | Connecticut Public

Pride Month and the Political Divide

Originally established to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots and celebrate LGBTQ+ progress and visibility, Pride Month has become a flashpoint in the U.S. culture wars. While many companies, public officials, and institutions embrace Pride-themed campaigns in June, some Americans—particularly those with strong religious or traditional values—view these efforts as performative or politically charged.

Leavitt pointed to what she described as “corporate hypocrisy” and “targeted messaging toward children” as major concerns.

“When major corporations push drag shows and gender ideology in schools and advertise it with rainbow logos every June, they’re not promoting tolerance—they’re promoting an agenda,” she said.

Her remarks echo those made by other conservative figures in recent years who have similarly criticized the growing presence of Pride-related marketing in schools, government agencies, and military institutions.

Political Strategy—or Personal Conviction?

While critics accuse Leavitt of stirring controversy for political gain, her allies insist she’s speaking from sincere conviction.

“Karoline has always stood for traditional American values,” said one campaign advisor who asked not to be named. “She’s not afraid to say what many people are thinking but are too scared to say out loud.”

Leavitt’s comments also come at a time when several conservative states are enacting laws that restrict or regulate LGBTQ+ content in education, public spaces, and even health care. The issue is likely to be a central theme in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

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Corporate and Media Silence

So far, there has been little official response from the major networks that regularly feature Leavitt, or from the GOP leadership itself. Some political observers suggest that silence may reflect the delicate balancing act the Republican Party faces—between appealing to a base that is increasingly skeptical of “woke culture” and avoiding alienation of younger, more socially liberal voters.

Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ groups are calling on companies and politicians to reaffirm their support for Pride Month in light of Leavitt’s comments.

The Bigger Picture

Karoline Leavitt’s rejection of Pride Month is more than a personal stance—it’s a flashpoint in America’s broader cultural conflict. At its core, her statement challenges the idea that visibility and inclusion must be universally celebrated. For supporters, it’s a defense of freedom of conscience; for critics, it’s a step backward in the fight for equality.

As Pride Month continues and the political temperature rises, the debate over what—and who—deserves public commemoration will likely intensify.