Overview

• On June 23, Karoline Leavitt told Fox & Friends that President Trump invented the motto “peace through strength,” a statement that has been debunked.
• Political observers traced the slogan back to Roman Emperor Hadrian and its modern use in Barry Goldwater’s 1964 campaign and Ronald Reagan’s presidency.
• The administration has repeatedly invoked the doctrine after recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, where officials described “monumental” damage.
• Social media users ridiculed Leavitt’s inaccuracy, with comments mocking the press secretary’s understanding of historical foreign-policy debates.
• Critics say the episode underscores risks of factual errors in White House messaging and the importance of historical context.