As U.S.-China trade tensions continue to escalate, a fashion choice by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has unexpectedly become a viral topic on social media.
During a recent White House appearance, Leavitt, 27, was photographed wearing a striking red dress with black trim. The image caught the attention of Zhang Zhishen, the Chinese Consul General in Denpasar, Indonesia, who posted it on X (formerly Twitter), alongside screenshots from Weibo users who claimed the lace on the dress was manufactured at a factory in Mabu, China, where they work.
Zhang's caption read: "Accusing China is business. Buying China is life."
He praised the dress's intricate lace, recognized by Chinese factory workers as their product — a comment that ignited both pride and irony online.
The incident came shortly after the U.S. imposed up to 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting China to retaliate with its own tariffs of up to 125% on American goods. The timing of Leavitt's dress going viral fueled ongoing debates about global supply chains and economic interdependence.
Meanwhile, on TikTok, many influencers have showcased how many luxury brands source high-end products from Chinese factories. Some users even posted maps and factory tours, encouraging followers to "buy direct" from China.
Susan Scafidi, founder of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University, commented:
"It's no surprise that a red dress on the White House press secretary is now the subject of gleeful propaganda. Her best response might be to turn up at the next briefing with her outfit inside out, labels showing — if she can find a rare 'Made in USA' tag."
Minh-ha Pham, a Pratt Institute professor studying the intersection of fashion and globalization, said the episode highlights "a significant blind spot in this administration's understanding of global trade." She added:
"It's ironic to criticize China while wearing clothes — and likely using devices — made there. This is the reality of global capitalism."
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