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White House press secretary laughed at in China for wearing ‘Made in China’ dress
Chinese goods are everywhere.
April 18, 2025, 05:13 AM
A White House press secretary was caught wearing what appeared to be an outfit that was made in China.
It was circulated and commented on by eagle-eyed online users in China, who then accused the administration under U.S. president Donald Trump of "hypocrisy".
Photos circulated in China
Photos of the White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt were widely circulated on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo and Xiaohongshu on Apr. 16.
The images were purportedly taken recently during a White House briefing.
At least partially made in China
The red dress with black lace trimmings that Leavitt wore was reportedly manufactured in China, or at the very least partially made there.
It came from UK brand Self-Portrait and was designed by Malaysian Chinese fashion designer Han Chong.
The origins of the dress were first pointed out in a tweet by Zhang Zhisheng, China’s consul-general in Denpasar, Indonesia.
Zhang wrote: “Accusing China is business. Buying China is life.”
The post was accompanied by multiple screenshots and photos.
— Zhang Zhisheng 张志昇 (@salahzhang) April 14, 2025
Zhang also indicated that a factory employee recognised the black lace trimmings on the dress “as its product”.
Apparently, textile workers in Mabu, China, have claimed that they recognise they product.
Backlash
The backlash followed quickly.
One commenter wrote: “Hypocrites exposed. It’s actually very funny.”
The clarifications by other users then exposed the hilarity of the situation further.
A Weibo user clarified by writing that Leavitt’s dress was not cheap as it was not “those made in China that cost US$20 to US$30”.
“This dress is made by English brand Self-Portrait and costs more than US$500,” the user wrote. “But the bad news is, this US$500 dress is also made in China.”
Other past outfits scrutinised
Leavitt’s previous outfits at other press briefings were then scrutinised, and online users claimed they found others that were also allegedly made in China.
Previously, Trump's signature “Make America Great Again” red caps have also been scrutinised, as questions were raised over whether their country of origin was China.
The Trump administration has slapped multiple tariffs on Chinese imports and has threatened more.
Since his first presidency, Trump has been christened the nickname “Comrade Build the Nation” on Chinese social media.
This was due to the belief that the U.S. president is inadvertently pushing China towards greater self-reliance and innovation by curbing its economic activities and trade with other countries.
Top photos via White House & Zhang Zhisheng X
