US President-Elect Donald Trump Names Karoline Leavitt as White House Press Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Karoline Leavitt, his campaign press secretary, as the new White House press secretary, making her the youngest individual to hold this position in U.S. history at the age of 27. This announcement was made on November 15, 2024, and Leavitt will take on her role as part of Trump’s second administration.
In a statement, Trump praised Leavitt’s performance during his campaign, stating, “Karoline did a phenomenal job as the National Press Secretary on my Historic Campaign… I have complete faith that she will thrive at the podium and help convey our message to the American people” as they continue to pursue their agenda of “Making America Great Again”.
Leavitt’s background includes significant experience in political communications. She previously served as an assistant press secretary during Trump’s first term and later worked as a communications director for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. In 2022, she ran for a congressional seat in New Hampshire, winning the Republican primary but ultimately losing in the general election. Her political journey began at Saint Anselm College, where she developed her interest in politics and media relations.
Trump’s choice reflects his ongoing strategy of appointing individuals who are not only loyal supporters but also effective communicators. During his first term, he often engaged directly with the public through rallies and social media rather than relying heavily on traditional press briefings. However, he has indicated that there will be regular access to the press in his upcoming administration.
Leavitt’s appointment is notable not just for her age but also for her strong alignment with Trump’s messaging and policies, which include a focus on tax cuts and strict immigration enforcement. As she steps into this high-profile role, Leavitt is expected to face challenges similar to those encountered by her predecessors, who often dealt with contentious interactions with the media
President-elect Donald Trump has officially appointed Karoline Leavitt as the new White House Press Secretary, making her the youngest individual to hold this position in U.S. history at the age of 27. She will succeed Karine Jean-Pierre when Trump is inaugurated on January 20, 2025.
Leavitt previously served as Trump’s National Press Secretary during his 2024 campaign and has experience in the Trump administration as an Assistant Press Secretary during his first term. Trump praised her communication skills, stating, “Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator” and expressed confidence in her ability to effectively convey the administration’s messages to the public.
Background and Career:
- Early Life: A native of New Hampshire, Leavitt began her political career as an intern in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence while in college.
- Previous Roles: After graduating, she worked as an Assistant Press Secretary under Kayleigh McEnany during Trump’s first term. Following Trump’s defeat in 2020, she served as Communications Director for Representative Elise Stefanik and later ran for a congressional seat in New Hampshire, winning the Republican primary but losing to Democrat Chris Pappas.
- Return to Trump Campaign: Leavitt returned to Trump’s circle as a spokesperson for his campaign and transition team leading up to the 2024 election.
Trump’s selection of Leavitt reflects a continuation of his strategy to appoint loyal and media-savvy individuals to key positions. Her appointment comes amid discussions about how the administration will handle press relations, especially given Trump’s past tendency to engage directly with the media rather than relying solely on press briefings.
