On November 15, President-elect Donald Trump announced that Karoline Leavitt would serve as the White House Press Secretary. At 27 years old, Leavitt will become the youngest person ever to hold the position and the first from Generation Z. Leavitt, a graduate of Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and political science in 2019.
Leavitt began her career in the Trump Administration as an assistant press secretary from 2017 to 2021. Afterward, she worked for U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, who was recently nominated as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In 2022, Leavitt launched her own congressional campaign in New Hampshire, winning the Republican nomination but ultimately losing to Democratic incumbent Chris Pappas in the general election. Currently, Leavitt serves as the Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman.
The current White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, has faced significant criticism throughout her tenure. During her regular press briefings, she has often been criticized for reading canned responses directly from a binder, which many view as lacking spontaneity and transparency. Additionally, Jean-Pierre has frequently invoked the Hatch Act—particularly when asked about sensitive political issues—as a way to deflect or avoid answering questions from reporters. This approach has led to frustration among journalists and political observers, who feel that it undermines the press secretary’s responsibility to provide clear and direct communication with the public on President Biden’s activity.
Her actions seem to be, in no small part, the reflection of a President who was also criticized for being largely unavailable to the press and the American people.
Both Leavitt and President Trump provide a stark contrast. In his first term, President Trump had over 300 press conferences and media interviews more than President Biden. And, throughout the Trump campaign, Karoline Leavitt emerged as an accessible, staunch, and articulate defender of the Trump agenda, consistently advocating for his policies and standing firm against criticisms from liberal media.
Known for her sharp communication skills and unwavering conviction, Leavitt often took to the airwaves to counter what she viewed as biased narratives and misrepresentations from mainstream media outlets. Whether in interviews, press conferences, or social media, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to confront tough questions and assertively push back against media bias, ensuring that Trump’s message was heard.
Her passionate defense of conservative values and her commitment to challenging what she called the “liberal establishment” earned her respect among Trump supporters and positioned her as a key figure in the campaign’s communications strategy.
The position of press secretary is a tough position no matter who holds it and no matter which president is in office, but more transparency and communications with the American people is definitely something that is much needed as our country faces such serious challenges.
Please pray for Ms. Leavitt, the President, and all who are getting ready to lead the nation at this point in our history.