As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to step back into the Oval Office, he is swiftly assembling a team to bring his vision to life and take on the challenges of a second term. On Friday, a major appointment was revealed: Karoline Leavitt will be the new White House Press Secretary, charged with the task of managing daily press briefings and standing up to what Trump has long criticized as the “legacy media.”
Leavitt, who served as National Press Secretary on Trump’s 2024 campaign and previously as Assistant Press Secretary during his first term, brings experience and loyalty to the role. Trump praised Leavitt’s work on his campaign, calling her “smart, tough, and a highly effective communicator.” In a statement released from Mar-a-Lago, Trump said, “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 has been a rising star within Trump’s inner circle, known for her sharp communication skills and dedication to conservative values. Her work on the campaign was instrumental in shaping Trump’s public message, and her background within the administration has helped her build a strong understanding of the President-elect’s approach. This familiarity, coupled with her resilience in media relations, has made her the ideal candidate to take on the high-profile and often contentious role of Press Secretary.
Her announcement follows that of other key appointments, including North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, who was recently named Secretary of the Interior. Trump’s team has indicated that additional announcements are imminent, as the administration fills critical positions in preparation for inauguration day.
Leavitt’s role as Press Secretary will require her to handle a White House press corps that often leans critical of the Trump administration’s policies. Trump has repeatedly called out mainstream outlets as biased, and Leavitt will likely be tasked with a communication strategy that counters perceived media narratives while projecting the administration’s goals clearly to the public. Her appointment is also seen as a strategic move to set a strong tone with the press and keep the administration’s messaging aligned with its conservative base.
Leavitt’s predecessor, Kayleigh McEnany, set a high bar with her uncompromising style and dedication to upholding Trump’s positions in the face of tough questioning. In Leavitt, Trump has found a successor who brings her own brand of rigor and is expected to maintain a similar stance with the media.
Leavitt’s appointment puts to rest speculation around other possible candidates for the Press Secretary position, including Alina Habba, Trump’s attorney and senior advisor. Habba recently shared on social media that while she was honored to be considered, she was likely to continue in a legal and advisory role within the administration, contributing her expertise in a different capacity.
With names like Leavitt and Burgum joining the Trump 47 administration, it’s clear the President-elect is surrounding himself with allies who not only understand his goals but are committed to enacting his “Make America Great Again” vision. These early appointments suggest a focus on maintaining loyalty and experience, particularly among those who have been through a prior Trump administration or who have proven themselves during his 2024 campaign.
For Leavitt, the Press Secretary role is both an opportunity and a challenge. She will be one of the most visible faces of the Trump White House, tasked with delivering the administration’s message directly to the American public. Her past experiences in the Trump White House and on his campaign have prepared her well, and her time at the podium will likely be closely watched by supporters and critics alike.
Trump’s statement on Leavitt’s appointment, released from his Florida residence, echoed the enthusiasm of his 2016 campaign and highlighted his confidence in her ability to navigate the pressures of the press briefing room:
“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.”
As Leavitt steps into her new role, the dynamics between the Trump White House and the press corps will undoubtedly be tested. Her effectiveness in managing media scrutiny and delivering Trump’s message will be a significant element of the administration’s communication strategy.
