WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — On Friday, President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Karoline Leavitt, who served as his campaign’s press secretary, as the new White House press secretary.
At just 27 years old, Leavitt is set to make history as the youngest individual to hold this influential position, previously held by Ronald Ziegler, who took the role at age 29 during Richard Nixon’s administration in 1969.
Trump expressed his enthusiasm for Leavitt’s selection, stating, “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. 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.”
Traditionally, the White House press secretary acts as the face of the administration and holds regular briefings for journalists. However, Trump altered these expectations during his first term, often sidestepping the role and communicating directly with the public through social media, rallies, and some briefings.
When questioned during a news conference in August about whether his new administration would offer regular press briefings, Trump responded, “I will give you total access and you’ll have a lot of press briefings and you’ll have, uh, from me.”
Regarding the press secretary’s role, 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, who hails from New Hampshire, is recognized as a vigorous advocate for Trump, known for her quick wit and assertive defense of him during television appearances.
Before joining Trump’s 2024 campaign, she worked as a spokesperson for a super PAC supporting him called MAGA Inc. In the previous election cycle in 2022, she ran for a Congress seat in New Hampshire, clinching victory in a 10-way Republican primary, although she ultimately lost to incumbent Democratic Representative Chris Pappas.
During Trump’s previous administration, Leavitt was part of the White House press office and later served as the communications director for New York Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, whom Trump has nominated as his U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Trump’s earlier press secretaries, Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders, were often embroiled in confrontations with reporters. Another former press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, did not conduct any briefings, while Kayleigh McEnany frequently used her platform to admonish the media during her press appearances in the briefing room.