Karoline Leavitt’s Journey: New Hampshire Congressional Candidate to White House Press Secretary
From New Hampshire Politics to the White House
Karoline Claire Leavitt currently serves as the 36th White House press secretary under the second Trump administration, a position she has held since 2025. This appointment marks a significant milestone in her rapidly ascending political career.
Current Role and Controversies
In her role as White House press secretary, Leavitt has made headlines for various reasons, including a viral May 2025 photograph of her feeding her son while working. She has facilitated media access during key diplomatic events, notably during the Congo-Rwanda peace agreement signing, where she introduced Angolan journalist Hariana Verás to the Oval Office gathering – a moment that gained significant attention.
However, her tenure has not been without controversy. Recent reports reveal that Leavitt owes more than $325,000 in unpaid debts from her 2022 congressional campaign in New Hampshire, which she didn’t disclose for years. Through her spokespeople, Leavitt has claimed she “had no involvement or knowledge of any of these issues” and stated they are working on correcting them.
Political Background and Career
A graduate of Saint Anselm College with studies in politics and communication, Leavitt’s political career began with an internship in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence, where she later became associate director. By June 2020, she had risen to the position of assistant White House press secretary. Following Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss, she transitioned to working as communications director for New York congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
Current Significance
Donald Trump announced Leavitt’s appointment as White House press secretary on November 15, 2024, praising her as “smart, tough, and a highly effective communicator” who would “help deliver our message to the American People as we Make America Great Again”. In 2025, she has been particularly active in her role, with 55 videos recorded, frequently addressing topics such as Washington Politics, Immigration, and Federal Budget.
