US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed 27-year-old Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, making her the youngest person to hold the position.
Leavitt’s rise to prominence began when she worked as a student assistant for Fox News during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
“Leavitt is smart and tough and has proven to be a highly effective communicator. I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium and help deliver our message to the American People,” Trump stated, announcing her appointment.
Leavitt, a conservative from New Hampshire, has been a regular presence at Trump’s side in 2024, serving as his campaign spokeswoman at rallies and court appearances. She’s a strong advocate for Trump’s “America First” agenda and has expressed disdain for traditional media companies. In a Fox News podcast, Leavitt shared her experiences battling “fake news” reporters, saying, “There are a lot of journalists who aren’t interested in journalism anymore, and we deal with them every day.”
As press secretary, Leavitt will face intense pressure from Trump, known for closely scrutinizing cable news coverage. Her background includes working as assistant press secretary during Trump’s first presidency and serving as communications director for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Trump’s nominee for UN ambassador.
Leavitt’s conservative beliefs were shaped during her time at Saint Anselm College, where she wrote a column opposing “identity politics” and advocating for individual freedom. “I didn’t believe … that the color of your skin or your gender can hold you back in this country. I don’t believe that’s true. That’s the foundation of my conservative beliefs,” she stated.
After Trump’s 2020 election defeat, Leavitt ran for a House of Representatives seat in New Hampshire but lost. Despite this setback, her appointment as press secretary underscores Trump’s confidence in her abilities. When asked about Trump’s preparedness for office, Leavitt noted, “I think he is more wise about the ‘deep state,’ the establishment in Washington DC and the lengths to which they were willing to go to derail his campaign and his success.”
