As Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, he brings with him a fresh group of staff members, including a new press secretary who will be at the forefront of handling the torrent of media inquiries expected in the coming months.
At the close of 2024, President Trump made several key staff announcements, among them the appointment of Karoline Leavitt as the incoming White House press secretary. Leavitt makes history as the youngest person to ever hold this position, assuming the role at just 27 years old.
A Historic Appointment
Leavitt, who served as a national press secretary for Trump's campaign during the election, also has experience from Trump’s first term, having worked as an assistant press secretary. Her appointment marks the first time since 1969 that a press secretary under 30 has served in the White House.
Despite her young age, Leavitt has drawn significant attention from both the media and President Trump himself. This attention stems in part from statements she made in 2022 on Fox News, where she accused Democrats of supporting extreme abortion policies.
Controversial Claims
Leavitt has publicly stated that the Democratic Party endorses abortion up until the moment of birth, and even suggested they might support it beyond birth, labeling such acts as infanticide. Her statements have echoed those made by Trump, sparking widespread debate.
During her appearances on Fox News, Leavitt argued that Democrats are in favor of taxpayer-funded abortions, a stance she claims is not in line with the majority of Americans' beliefs. Her controversial remarks have played a part in her rise to prominence within the Republican Party.
Background and Education
Karoline Leavitt hails from New Hampshire, where she attended Saint Anselm College on a softball scholarship. During her college years, she was vocal in her support for Trump, often writing op-eds for the school newspaper defending his policies.
Leavitt was active in extracurricular activities, founding the college’s first broadcasting club and working at WMUR-TV, a Hearst Television affiliate. She also interned at Fox News, gaining valuable media experience.
After graduating in 2019 with a degree in Communications and Political Science, Leavitt's journey to the White House began with an internship in the Office of Presidential Correspondence. Her diligence and dedication eventually led to her role as an assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany from 2019 until President Biden's inauguration in January 2021.
A Political Career
Following her time at the White House, Leavitt became the communications director for U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik from New York. Her impressive track record in communications soon propelled her to seek elective office.
In 2022, Leavitt announced her candidacy for Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st district. Her campaign focused on traditional conservative values, including reducing taxes, supporting law enforcement, and upholding the Second Amendment.
Leavitt faced a competitive primary against Matt Mowers, another former Trump Administration staffer. Despite trailing in the polls, she won the Republican primary, earning praise from Trump for overcoming the odds. However, she lost the general election to the Democratic incumbent, Chris Pappas.
Family and Personal Life
Karoline Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate entrepreneur who is notably three decades her senior. The couple wed in December 2023 and welcomed their son, Nicholas, in July 2024.
Leavitt’s brief maternity leave from her role as national press secretary for Trump's campaign was cut short by a life-changing event. Inspired to return to work after an attempted assassination on Trump in July 2024, Leavitt resumed her duties with renewed vigor.
Leavitt's ascent to the role of press secretary is a testament to her resilience and determination. As she steps into this historic role, her impact on the Trump administration and her influence on public discourse remain to be seen.
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