President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday that Karoline Leavitt, his campaign press secretary, will be appointed as White House Press Secretary in his upcoming administration. Leavitt, 27, will make history as the youngest person ever to hold the high-profile position, which requires publicly navigating the press corps and often engaging in contentious exchanges with journalists.
“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 in a statement. “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’s appointment marks a significant milestone in her political career. Prior to serving as the national press secretary for Trump’s 2024 campaign, Leavitt gained experience in the communications world during Trump’s first term. She previously worked as an assistant press secretary in the White House, and also served in the Office of Presidential Correspondence. Additionally, Leavitt was a spokeswoman for Rep. Elise Stefanik, the New York Republican who is a prominent Trump ally.
Despite a setback in 2022, when Leavitt ran unsuccessfully for Congress, she has maintained a strong presence in Republican political circles. Her leadership in Trump’s campaign, where she worked closely with the media and managed messaging strategies, earned her the trust and support of the president-elect.
Leavitt’s appointment to the White House is expected to bring a sharp, youthful energy to the press briefing room. Known for her direct communication style and quick wit, she will be tasked with navigating a sometimes adversarial relationship with the media while representing the administration’s views on key issues.
In addition to Leavitt’s appointment, Trump also named Steven Cheung, a longtime communications aide, to the role of White House Communications Director. Cheung, who previously served as a spokesperson for Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns, will also be responsible for overseeing the broader communications strategy in the White House. Cheung is familiar with the fast-paced and high-stakes nature of political messaging, having also worked as a communications official for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Trump’s selections of Leavitt and Cheung underscore his reliance on familiar faces from his previous campaigns, as well as his ongoing commitment to shaping a messaging team that aligns with his vision for his second term.
As Leavitt prepares to take on the role of press secretary, she will become one of the most visible figures in the White House, expected to lead daily press briefings and address the media on key issues affecting the administration. Her tenure will likely be closely watched as she navigates the challenges of working with a press corps that has often been at odds with the Trump administration.
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