President-elect Donald Trump has named Karoline Leavitt, his campaign press secretary, to serve as White House press secretary, marking a historic milestone. At just 27 years old, Leavitt will become the youngest person to hold the position, surpassing Ronald Ziegler, who was 29 when he served in Richard Nixon’s administration in 1969. This appointment underscores a shift toward younger leadership in high-profile political roles.
“Karoline Leavitt did a phenomenal job as the National Press Secretary on my Historic Campaign, and I am pleased to announce she will serve as White House Press Secretary,” Trump said in a statement. “Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator. I am confident she will excel at the podium and help deliver our message to the American People as we Make America Great Again.”
Leavitt responded on social media, writing, “Thank you, President Trump, for believing in me. I am humbled and honored. Let’s MAGA,” using the acronym for “Make America Great Again.”
Redefining the Role of White House Press Secretary
The White House press secretary has traditionally served as the public face of the administration, regularly briefing the press corps. However, Trump redefined this role during his first term, often bypassing traditional briefings to speak directly to the public through rallies, social media, and impromptu press engagements.
At an August news conference, Trump suggested a more hands-on approach in his upcoming term, promising increased press access. “I will give you total access, and you’ll have a lot of press briefings, and you’ll have, uh, from me,” he stated. On the frequency of briefings, he added, “Probably they’ll do something. If it’s not daily, it’s going to be a lot. You’ll have more than you want.”
Leavitt is expected to adapt this redefined role, balancing Trump’s personal communication style with the press secretary’s traditional responsibilities.
Karoline Leavitt’s Rapid Rise in Politics
Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, has developed a reputation as a steadfast and articulate advocate for Trump. Before joining Trump’s 2024 campaign, she worked as a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting his reelection bid. Her experience in high-pressure media environments has prepared her for the prominent and often challenging role of White House press secretary.
In 2022, Leavitt ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a competitive Republican primary before losing to incumbent Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Earlier in her career, she worked in Trump’s White House press office and later served as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is now set to become the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Legacy of Trump’s Press Secretaries
Leavitt will join a roster of Trump-era press secretaries known for their distinctive styles. Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders engaged in heated exchanges with reporters, while Stephanie Grisham held no briefings during her tenure. Kayleigh McEnany, who succeeded Grisham, often used press briefings to challenge the media aggressively.
As Leavitt assumes the role, she will face the dual challenge of maintaining effective communication with the public while navigating the often tense relationship between the Trump administration and the press. Her age and experience make her an unprecedented choice, signaling Trump’s preference for dynamic and media-savvy individuals in key roles.
With Trump’s endorsement and her proven communication skills, Leavitt is poised to become a defining voice of the administration.