Fact Check: Did Karoline Leavitt debate Stephen Colbert on 'The Late Show'?

WASHINGTON, DC: Karoline Leavitt made history in 2025 by becoming the youngest White House Press Secretary at just 27. In her debut speech in January, she declared, "The golden age of America has most definitely begun."

Recently, a rumor circulated online claiming Karoline Leavitt debated Stephen Colbert on his late-night talk show. But is there any truth to this? Let's find out below.

Claim: Karoline Leavitt debated Stephen Colbert on his late-night talk show

In April 2025, a rumor circulated online claiming that the White House Press Secretary had a heated debate with Stephen Colbert on his late-night talk show.

The claim mainly featured in YouTube videos, and the first clip was posted on February 24, 2025, according to Snopes.

Notably, a video, posted on April 18, was titled, "Karoline Leavitt Fires Back on Stephen Colbert's Show After a Shocking Accusation."

Similarly, other videos were titled "Karoline Leavitt SHUTS DOWN Stephen Colbert After His Insane On-Air Attack" and "Karoline Leavitt Just HUMILIATED Stephen Colbert and Stephen ERUPTS!"

According to the videos, Colbert questioned Leavitt on topics including President Donald Trump's tariffs, the exclusion of certain outlets from the White House press pool, and whether the traditional news outlets had lost touch with the American people.

Moreover, the videos described how the White House Press Secretary's responses stunned audiences and allegedly left Colbert shocked, per the outlet.

False: Karoline Leavitt did not appear on 'The Late Show'

The claims made in the online rumor are false, as a White House spokesperson said a video about Karoline Leavitt's appearance on 'The Late Show', posted on February 24, was "fake", according to Snopes.

Moreover, Leavitt's name did not appear on guest lists published ahead of Colbert's shows, and there were no videos of her appearing on the show.

Furthermore, searches on search engines showed no credible evidence of her alleged appearance. 

Meanwhile, several versions of the claim on YouTube were tagged as "altered or synthetic content", a classification by YouTube for some types of content, mainly the ones generated by artificial intelligence.

Most of the videos also had disclaimers that their content was fictional in the description.

Many images used in the videos were generated using AI. Leavitt appeared to have distorted fingers on one hand, with two overlapping in a video posted on April 18.

Meanwhile, the next image showed Leavitt with a disfigured eye and mouth.

Karoline Leavitt abruptly ends briefing and refuses to ask questions

Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday, April 16, announced a press briefing with "special guest" Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin, who was an alleged illegal immigrant tragically killed.

Morin shared she was kept in the dark about her daughter's death as authorities claimed they were protecting the case's integrity, according to the Irish Star.

Moreover, she recounted the chilling details of her daughter's demise in front of a hushed briefing room.

However, after Mornin's speech, Leavitt denied questions from a reporter.

Leavitt asked, "Does anyone have any questions for Patty, or for me?"

A reporter said, "I have a question," to which Leavitt replied, "No", and turned to leave the podium.