In a move that underscores his preference for young, energetic voices, President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that Karoline Leavitt will serve as his White House press secretary. At just 27 years old, Leavitt will make history as the youngest person to ever hold the position, a distinction previously held by Ronald Ziegler, who was appointed by President Richard Nixon at the age of 29.
Leavitt, who has been a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 campaign, was once a rising star in New Hampshire politics. She narrowly lost her bid to flip New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District in 2022, but her defeat did little to slow her political ascent. Trump praised her tenacity and skill in a statement announcing her appointment. “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, a native of New Hampshire, thanked Trump in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing her excitement for the role. “Thank you, President Trump, for believing in me. I am humbled and honored. Let’s MAGA,” she wrote.
Leavitt’s appointment signals a new chapter in Trump’s approach to media relations. In his first term, Trump cycled through four press secretaries, each leaving a distinct mark on the role. Sean Spicer, the first to take the job, became known for his fiery exchanges with reporters. He was succeeded by Sarah Huckabee Sanders, now the Governor of Arkansas, who managed the position with a more reserved but steadfast style. Stephanie Grisham, who had served as spokesperson for First Lady Melania Trump, briefly filled the role before Kayleigh McEnany took over, earning praise from Trump’s base for her combative stance with the press.
Unlike Joe Biden, who has been criticized for rarely holding press conferences and allegedly receiving questions in advance, Trump has made it clear that he intends to maintain a direct and open line with the media. Known for his impromptu sessions with reporters during his first term, Trump has promised to continue this practice. “I will give you total access and you’ll have a lot of press briefings and you’ll have, uh, from me,” Trump remarked during an August press conference, hinting at his plans for extensive media engagement.
With Leavitt at the helm of the White House press office, Trump appears to be doubling down on a strategy that emphasizes aggressive messaging and a willingness to challenge the mainstream media narrative head-on. Her youth and media savvy, combined with Trump’s penchant for unscripted interactions, suggest that the upcoming term will feature a dynamic and, at times, contentious relationship with the press. For Trump’s supporters, Leavitt’s appointment is seen as a bold step toward rejuvenating the communication style of his presidency — one that is sure to be as unconventional as it is confrontational.