‘Your mom’ becomes trending reply in Trump administration labelled ‘moronic’ and ‘childish’

Donald Trump’s administration has been called many things, but a bizarre “your mom” remark is making waves online, leading many to label the president's inner circle as “moronic”, “childish” and “juvenile”.

These descriptives were prompted by US press secretary Karoline Leavitt (bafflingly) sharing a screenshot of her reply to a journalist’s question – a post which has since gone viral.

HuffPost’s White House correspondent S.V. Dáte messaged Leavitt with a question about president Donald Trump’s now-cancelled meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, which was due to be held in Hungary.

In his message, Dáte provided context as to why the Budapest location may be seen as controversial.

‘Is the president aware of the significance of Budapest?” asked Dáte, adding: “In 1994, Russia promised, in Budapest, not to invade Ukraine if it gave up the nuclear weapons it inherited when the Soviet Union dissolved. Does he not see why Ukraine might object to that site?”

Dáte finished the message with the question “Who suggested Budapest?” and a polite “Thanks.”

As per the screenshot Leavitt shared, she replied to Dáte: “Your mom did.”

Not a great look for the White House Press Secretary, whose job it is to deal with reporters. Professionally.

The screenshot has been reshared, with people baffled as to why Leavitt would share such a reputation-staining response to a reasonable and newsworthy question. Moreover, many pointed out that considering Leavitt accuses Dáte of lacking professionalism in a follow-up response, this is a self-own of the highest order.

To add insult to injury, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung also joined in by posting: “Your mom.”

Dáte responded in a lengthy post which ended with: “Ms. Leavitt may not like my questions. That’s fine. I have a right and a responsibility to ask them. This is still America.”

Check out some of the stunned reactions to Leavitt’s reply below:

This comes after Donald Trump shared a “disgusting” AI-generated video in response to the No Kings protests last weekend, in which he could be seen flying a fighter jet bombing protestors with feces – a post which has led countless people online to bemoan Trump’s “unpresidential” and scatological response to a historic protest.

But it doesn’t end there.

To make matters worse and as if to legitimatise accusations that the Trump administration is stuck in teenage joke mode, the Republicans Against Trump account reminded social media users that Trump’s inner circle has prior form.

It referenced a moment involving US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who was questioned about his tie colours during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent visit to the US.

Hegseth’s tie featured colours some saw as resembling those of the Russian flag, and when Hegseth’s aides were asked about the unfortunate choice of colours, Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell issued the following statement: "Your mom bought it for him."

“We are governed by middle schoolers.”