United States (US) Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently drew criticism from Chinese netizens for wearing a dress that was made in China, despite her slamming the country’s products while defending the administration’s 145% tariffs on China.
An eagle-eyed Chinese netizen, who claimed to work in a factory in Zhejiang where the dress was allegedly dyed, said Ms Leavitt wore a Chinese-made dress at a news briefing on 31 Jan.
Source: @salahzhang on X
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Leavitt’s red and black lace dress was identified as a piece designed by Malaysian Chinese fashion designer Han Chong for his BritishSelf-Portrait.
The netizen’s claim was later reposted on X by Zhang Zhisheng, China’s Consul-General in Denpasar, Indonesia.
“Accusing China is business. Buying China is life. The beautiful lace on the dress was recognised by an employee of a Chinese company as its product,” he wrote.
The Chinese diplomat later shared a Douyin post of a screen capture of a retailer’s website depicting the dress and clearly stating it was “Made in China”.
Source: @salahzhang on X
The video also includes a clip of a manufacturer in Wenzhou confirming the dress was made in Mabu Town, which is known for lace manufacturing.
Furthermore, Chinese netizens found that the dress was sold at the e-commerce site Farfetch for US$403 (S$528.50) — 20% less than its original price.
One user pointed out that while the press secretary wore China-made clothes, she chose an expensive product, to which another replied: “If it is not expensive enough, how can people know they have raised tariffs?”
Source: @rfiyrN0EVRSM82v on X
Chinese social media users came out with even more photos of Leavitt’s outfits, including another Self-Portrait dress she wore on 11 Apr that is also believed to be manufactured in China.
The White House has not commented on the issue, SCMP reported.
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Featured image adapted from The White House on YouTube, @salahzhang on X.