After a highly competitive race for one of the most visible positions in the administration, President-elect Donald Trump has announced his pick for White House Press Secretary, naming Karoline Leavitt to the role. Leavitt, who previously served as the national press secretary for Trump’s 2024 campaign, will become the youngest press secretary in U.S. history at just 27 years old, surpassing the record held by Nixon-era press secretary Ron Ziegler, who was 29 when he served from 1969 to 1974.
In a statement released Friday evening, Trump praised Leavitt’s track record as an effective communicator and key member of his team. “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. “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.”
Leavitt, who has quickly gained prominence as a fierce defender of the Trump brand, responded with gratitude on social media, writing, “Thank you, President Trump, for believing in me. I am humbled and honored. Let’s MAGA!” in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday night.
Leavitt’s appointment is a significant moment in her career and marks a continuation of her close association with Trump. She has worked in his orbit for several years, initially serving as assistant press secretary during Trump’s first term under Kayleigh McEnany. Her experience in Trump’s communications operations, along with her sharp political instincts, made her a natural choice for the role of press secretary in his second administration.
In a recent appearance on Fox & Friends emblematic of her talents, Leavitt passionately defended Trump, recounting the challenges he faced, including multiple legal battles, and framing him as a steadfast leader. “They forced him to take a mug shot. They tried to remove his name off of the ballot. They forced him to sit in a dirty courthouse for six weeks. Two people tried to kill him, for goodness sake,” Leavitt said. “And the American people see, in Donald Trump, is clear a leader who even in the darkest of times is going to lift his fist in the air and say, ‘fight, fight, fight’ for this country.”
Other names had been floated as potential candidates for the press secretary position, including Trump’s legal spokeswoman and adviser Alina Habba, campaign spokesman Steven Cheung, and former Trump communications allies such as Jason Miller and Scott Jennings. While the field was competitive, Leavitt’s proven track record in Trump’s communications operation, combined with her strong relationship with the president, likely made her the favored choice.
The Trump team has been notably swift in announcing key personnel, with more than 20 appointments already made just over a week after the election. These appointments include high-profile figures such as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services, Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as Secretary of State, and Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as Attorney General.
Trump’s quick selection of cabinet members contrasts with the slower pace of his 2016 transition, demonstrating his commitment to hit the ground running in his second term. Leavitt’s appointment as press secretary signals his intent to maintain a loyal, hard-hitting communications team that will continue to drive his “America First” agenda.
With Leavitt as press secretary, Trump’s second term is poised to be marked by a continuation of the combative, populist messaging that defined his first campaign and presidency. Leavitt’s outspoken defense of Trump during the campaign and her ability to communicate the administration’s policies effectively will be crucial as the White House navigates another four years of contentious political battles.
WHAT A refreshing SIGHT THAT WILL BE !!!