Karoline Leavitt, the new White House press secretary, has a history of loyalty to former President Donald Trump. She is the youngest person to hold the position at age 27. Leavitt grew up in New Hampshire and attended Saint Anselm College on a softball scholarship.
However, she became more interested in politics and news during her time there. After graduating in 2019, Leavitt worked briefly for a local TV station. She later said she was “glad I didn’t continue down that path, working on the dark side.”
Leavitt’s interest in politics grew during Trump’s first term.
She was accepted for a White House internship and began writing letters in the President’s name. After Trump’s 2020 election defeat, Leavitt worked as communications director for Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik.
She then ran for Congress in New Hampshire but lost in the general election. Throughout her career, Leavitt has been a strong supporter of Trump. She frequently promotes his policies and defends him in media appearances.
Leavitt’s rise to press secretary
Trump has praised Leavitt’s communication skills. He said, “Karoline is smart, 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 as we Make America Great Again.”
Leavitt’s social media accounts show her enthusiasm for guns. In a 2022 Instagram video, she is seen firing a machine gun with the caption “@joebiden come and take it”. As press secretary, Leavitt has promised to bring “decorum” to the White House press room.
In her first briefing, she told reporters, “I will hold myself to the truth — and I expect everyone in this room to do the same.”
Leavitt has also invited podcasters and social media influencers to apply for White House press credentials. She said, “As the youngest press secretary in history, thanks to President Trump, I take great pride in opening up this room to new media voices.”
Leavitt gave birth to her first child just days before Trump survived an assassination attempt in July. She quickly returned to work, saying, “The president literally put his life on the line to win this election.
The least I could do is get back to work quickly.”
As a working mother, Leavitt has leaned into her role. She told The Conservateur, “I have legitimately done my make-up while nursing my baby, while talking on the phone prepping for my TV hit all at the same time … no man could ever do this.”
Trump has had a high turnover of press secretaries in the past.
It remains to be seen how long Leavitt will hold the position. However, her loyalty to the president and communication skills have earned her the top public-facing job at the White House.