Karoline Leavitt returns to Trump’s White House as press secretary

Donald Trump announced Friday that Karoline Leavitt will serve as his White House press secretary, choosing a veteran of his first term with a proven ability to spar with the media.

Leavitt, 27, served as the Trump campaign national press secretary and previously served in the Trump White House as assistant press secretary.

“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.”

The announcement capped a busy week of Cabinet announcements, including controversial picks for Defense secretary, Health and Human Services and the director of National Intelligence. No Senate confirmation is required for a press secretary.

Leavitt worked in the first Trump administration as an assistant press secretary before running for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022. She won the Republican primary for the 1st District before losing the general election. Leavitt also served as spokesperson for Trump ally Rep. Elise Stefanik, (R-N.Y.), who Trump tapped to be United States ambassador to the United Nations.

During the Trump campaign, Leavitt was a spokesperson and key member of the communications team, making frequent appearances on cable TV and responding to press inquiries. According to people on the campaign, she was well liked by her colleagues. She had also shown herself unafraid to tussle with the press on television and already has the public support of some Trump allies.