Karoline Leavitt has made history as the youngest White House press secretary ever. At just 27 years old, she steps into a role that places her at the forefront of the Trump administration’s communications strategy. Having previously served as Donald Trump’s campaign spokeswoman, Leavitt is expected to make her official debut at the White House podium within hours.
The first press briefing of a new administration is a high-stakes moment, where the press secretary directly faces the media. In Trump’s first term, his initial press secretary, Sean Spicer, made headlines by inflating inauguration crowd sizes and stating that the White House may sometimes “disagree with the facts.”
Trump’s Confidence in Leavitt
Donald Trump announced Leavitt’s appointment in November 2024, expressing confidence in her ability to effectively deliver the administration’s message. He praised her as “smart, tough, and a highly effective communicator.”
“Karoline will excel at the podium and help deliver our message to the American people as we Make America Great Again,” Trump stated.
Leavitt’s background includes prior experience in the Trump White House press office, as well as a run for Congress in New Hampshire’s first congressional district.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Leavitt pursued studies in communications and political science at Saint Anselm College, a Catholic institution in her home state.
While still in college, she interned at Fox News and later in Trump’s White House press office, which she credited with giving her a “first glimpse into the world of press.” These experiences led her to pursue a career in press relations.
Career in Politics and Media
White House Experience
Leavitt joined the first Trump administration shortly after graduating in 2019. She began as a presidential speechwriter and later became an assistant press secretary.
According to her 2022 congressional campaign website, she assisted Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany in preparing for high-pressure briefings and was actively involved in countering mainstream media narratives.
Work with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
After leaving the Trump White House, Leavitt became the communications director for Elise Stefanik, a senior Republican congresswoman from New York. Stefanik, a staunch Trump ally, has since been nominated to serve as the United Nations ambassador in Trump’s new administration.
Congressional Run in New Hampshire
Leavitt resigned from her role with Stefanik to run for Congress in New Hampshire’s first congressional district. She won the Republican nomination in 2022, but ultimately lost the general election to Democratic incumbent Chris Pappas.
On her campaign website, Leavitt championed a platform that aligned closely with Trump’s policies. She advocated for:
- Cutting taxes and promoting free-market policies
- Strong support for law enforcement
- Zero tolerance for illegal immigration
- Completion of the border wall
Role in Trump’s 2024 Campaign
In January 2024, Leavitt joined Trump’s third presidential campaign as his press secretary. Her work during the campaign, combined with her experience in media relations and messaging, solidified her reputation as a trusted Trump loyalist.
Her selection as White House press secretary cements her place in Trump’s inner circle as he begins his second term.
A Historic Moment in the White House Briefing Room
At 27, Leavitt now holds the record for youngest White House press secretary in history, surpassing Ron Ziegler, who was appointed by President Richard Nixon in 1969 at the age of 29.
As she prepares to step onto the iconic White House briefing room podium, all eyes will be on how she navigates the often tense exchanges with the press.
Trump’s first term saw a high turnover in press secretaries, with Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Stephanie Grisham, and Kayleigh McEnany all serving at different points.
Following their White House tenures:
- Sarah Huckabee Sanders successfully ran for Arkansas governor
- Stephanie Grisham resigned after the January 6 Capitol riot and has since become a critic of Trump
- Kayleigh McEnany remains a vocal Trump advocate and serves as a Fox News personality
Leavitt now steps into the role with both Trump’s trust and a high-profile platform, setting the stage for her debut in the White House press briefing room.