In a historic move, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Karoline Leavitt as the new White House press secretary, marking her as the youngest individual to assume this position at just 27 years of age.
Leavitt, recognized for her dedication to Trump's political journey, brings with her a wealth of experience from his first term in office as well as pivotal campaign roles, despite her historic youth, as the Los Angeles Times reports.
On Friday, Leavitt was named the White House press secretary by President-elect Trump, breaking the record as the youngest person to ever hold this significant role. Previously, the youngest was Ronald Ziegler, who assumed the role at age 29 under President Nixon in 1969.
Currently serving as a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, Leavitt has proven her capabilities through various prominent roles, including her position as the National Press Secretary for Trump’s latest campaign run in 2024. Her trajectory in the political landscape was further established when she took on the role of spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supportive of Trump's initiatives.
Leavitt's political engagement also includes her venture into electoral politics in 2022, where she emerged victorious in a 10-way Republican primary in New Hampshire. However, she was defeated in the general election by the incumbent Democrat, Chris Pappas.
Leavitt's connection with the Trump administration began during his first term from 2017 to 2021 when she worked in the White House press office. This foundation played a pivotal role in shaping her communications skills, which were further honed when she took on the position of communications director for Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Stefanik, a notable Trump ally, has been recently nominated by the President-elect to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, further illustrating the trust and reliance Trump places on his allies' capabilities.
Historically, the role of the White House press secretary involves communicating the administration's policies and taking questions from the press daily. However, during Trump's first term, the traditional regularity of these briefings was altered as he often acted directly as his own spokesperson.
Donald Trump's first term featured four press secretaries, each bringing a unique approach to the podium. Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Stephanie Grisham, and Kayleigh McEnany all served in this capacity, though not without controversy.
Stephanie Grisham was notable for not holding any press briefings during her tenure, while Kayleigh McEnany's briefings were characterized by a more confrontational style toward the media. As he prepares to return to office, Trump has indicated intentions to reinstate more traditional press briefings. In recent remarks, Trump assured the press corps of substantial access, promising that while daily briefings may not be the format, there will be frequent opportunities to engage with the administration.
In speaking about Leavitt's new role, President-elect Trump expressed confidence in her abilities, reflecting positively on her performance as the National Press Secretary during his campaign. He highlighted her intelligence and toughness, indicating that she is well-equipped for the high-pressure environment of the White House press briefings.
“I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium,” Trump stated, emphasizing her role in delivering their message to the public. His comments underline her skill in articulating and defending the administration’s objectives comprehensively and effectively.
As Leavitt assumes her duties, it will be significant to observe how her approach will marry the traditional responsibilities of a press secretary with the dynamic communication style cultivated by Trump himself during his prior term. Leavitt's task will be a blend of established protocols and the unique expectations set by her predecessor's tenure. Her appointment represents a notable shift in the traditional personnel dynamics of the White House communications team.
