The move came just days after Jon Stewart brutally mocked Leavitt during a segment on The Daily Show, in which he slammed her for what he called repeated lies and political spin during her recent media appearances. But what truly went viral was Stewart’s searing comment about her cross necklace.
“Pinocchio Cross”: Stewart’s Joke That Set the Internet on Fire
In the now-viral Daily Show segment, Jon Stewart addressed Leavitt’s contentious interviews and misleading talking points with his trademark sarcasm. But it was this line that caught everyone’s attention:
“Every time she lies, that cross gets a little bigger—it’s like a Pinocchio cross. Soon she’ll need a forklift to carry it.”
The audience roared, and within hours, social media lit up with memes, gifs, and hot takes about Stewart’s roast. The phrase “Pinocchio cross” trended on X (formerly Twitter), and videos of the segment quickly racked up millions of views on TikTok and YouTube.
Why Did Leavitt Take Off the Necklace?
While Karoline Leavitt hasn’t directly addressed the missing necklace, observant viewers noted its absence during a recent TV appearance, just days after Stewart’s segment aired. For many, this sudden change seemed like more than coincidence—it felt like a quiet retreat.
Political analysts and social media users have speculated that Leavitt removed the necklace to avoid further ridicule and meme-fodder in the wake of the “Pinocchio cross” moment. Some right-wing supporters defended her, calling Stewart’s joke a “mockery of Christian symbolism”, while others admitted the segment was undeniably cutting.
Symbolism and Image in Politics
For public figures—especially those closely tied to faith-based messaging—personal symbols like cross necklaces play a significant role in public image. Leavitt, a staunch conservative and self-described Christian, had worn the cross necklace frequently during interviews and campaign events, signaling values of faith, integrity, and moral clarity.
Its absence—especially after such a high-profile roasting—raises questions about how media pressure and satire can influence even the most seemingly steadfast political branding.
Reactions Across the Political Spectrum
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Liberals cheered Stewart’s takedown, calling it “vintage Jon” and praising him for “cutting through the spin.”
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Conservatives were divided: Some accused Stewart of religious mockery, while others criticized Leavitt for “caving to the left” by removing the necklace.
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Meanwhile, satirical accounts wasted no time creating “Pinocchio cross” merchandise and parody edits.
What’s Next for Karoline Leavitt?
Despite the heat, Leavitt remains a central figure in Trump’s 2024 campaign and is unlikely to step out of the spotlight. Whether she’ll reintroduce the necklace or double down on a new image remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: when Jon Stewart roasts you, the whole country notices.
