In a side-splitting moment that has the internet roaring with laughter, Late Show host Stephen Colbert unleashed a hilarious quip about White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s recent beach photos during his September 3, 2025, monologue, leaving audiences in stitches and sparking a viral frenzy. The 61-year-old comedian, known for his razor-sharp wit, took aim at Leavitt’s sun-soaked Instagram snaps from a family vacation, delivering a one-liner so perfectly crafted that it’s being hailed as the funniest thing you’ll hear all week.
Leavitt, 28, the youngest White House Press Secretary ever, posted a series of beach photos on August 30, 2025, showing her with husband Michael and their one-year-old son, James, during a getaway to Point Lookout, New York. The images, featuring Leavitt in a bright blue swimsuit and James in a tiny bucket hat, captured a rare personal moment for the typically private political star. Captioned “Sun, sand, and family—nothing better,” the post drew thousands of likes but also caught Colbert’s eye, setting the stage for his comedic takedown.
During his Late Show monologue, Colbert, with his trademark smirk, flashed one of Leavitt’s photos on screen and quipped, “Karoline Leavitt’s beach look proves she’s ready for the White House briefing room and a Baywatch reboot!” The audience erupted in laughter, with the line perfectly skewering Leavitt’s polished image while poking fun at her high-profile role. The camera panned to a chuckling bandleader Jon Batiste, and Colbert doubled down, adding, “Folks, that swimsuit’s so bold, it could negotiate world peace before lunch!” The studio roared, and the clip, shared widely on X, racked up millions of views within hours.
The zinger has taken social media by storm, with #ColbertRoastsLeavitt trending as fans and critics alike shared the moment. “Stephen Colbert just made my day with that Karoline burn!” one X user posted, while another wrote, “That Baywatch line is pure genius!” Even Leavitt’s supporters couldn’t help but laugh, with one commenting, “Okay, I’m Team Karoline, but Colbert got me with this one!” The viral moment has fueled memes, with users editing Leavitt’s beach photos with Baywatch logos and slow-motion running clips, amplifying the hilarity.
Leavitt, who rose to prominence as a Trump campaign spokesperson before her January 2025 appointment as Press Secretary, is no stranger to media attention. Her poised briefings and quick retorts have earned her both praise and scrutiny, but her beach photos offered a lighter, relatable glimpse into her life as a new mom. The Point Lookout trip, where she was spotted building sandcastles with James, showcased her balancing act between her high-stakes job and family life with Michael, a tech entrepreneur. Yet, Colbert’s playful roast turned her wholesome post into comedic fodder, proving no one is safe from his satire.
The Late Show segment wasn’t just about laughs—it highlighted Colbert’s knack for blending humor with cultural commentary. He followed the zinger with a nod to Leavitt’s role, joking, “She’s out there defending policy by day and sunscreen by night!” The line subtly acknowledged her demanding career while keeping the tone light, a hallmark of Colbert’s style. Fans on X praised his delivery, with one writing, “Colbert’s the only one who can roast a politician and make it feel like a compliment.”
The moment has sparked broader conversations about public figures sharing personal lives online. Leavitt’s beach photos, while endearing, opened the door to public scrutiny, with some X users debating whether she invited the attention by posting publicly. “She’s a mom having fun, leave her alone,” one supporter argued, while another countered, “If you’re Press Secretary, your vacation pics are fair game!” Leavitt hasn’t responded directly to Colbert’s quip, but her recent posts focus on her work, suggesting she’s letting the laughter roll off.
Colbert, whose show consistently tops late-night ratings, has a history of skewering political figures with humor that cuts through partisanship. His Leavitt roast joins iconic moments like his 2024 election jabs, cementing his role as a comedic commentator. As the clip continues to spread, with TikTok users remixing it with beach soundtracks, the moment has become a cultural touchstone. Whether you’re Team Leavitt or Team Colbert, this hilarious zinger has united fans in laughter, proving that a well-timed joke can steal the spotlight from even the most serious political stage.
