President-elect Donald Trump on Friday named his “highly effective communicator” and campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt as his White House press secretary.
“Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator,” Trump said, adding, “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 is the youngest White House press secretary, surpassing the previous record set by Ron Ziegler, who was 29 when President Nixon appointed him in 1969.
The 27-year-old’s appointment comes as a full circle from serving as an assistant press secretary in Donald Trump’s first term to becoming one in the second term.
Who is Karoline Leavitt
Leavitt is a New Hampshire native who has previously served as assistant press secretary during Trump’s first term, from 2017 to 2021.
After Trump’s 2020 defeat to Joe Biden, Leavitt served as communications director for Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick for UN ambassador.
In 2022, she ran for a New Hampshire House seat, winning the Republican primary before ultimately losing to Democrat Chris Pappas—but the experience sharpened her public speaking skills.
Leavitt then returned to Trump’s orbit, leading communications for his 2024 campaign and transition team. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has seen two press secretaries: Jen Psaki and Karine Jean-Pierre.
