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Jimmy Williams
President-elect Donald Trump has announced Karoline Leavitt as his choice for White House press secretary, making the 27-year-old the youngest person to serve in the role. Leavitt, a longtime aide to Trump and seasoned communications strategist, has been a prominent figure in his inner circle, serving as national press secretary for his 2024 campaign and now for his transition team.
“Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator,” Trump said in a statement. “I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium and help deliver our message to the American people.”
Leavitt’s appointment is historic, marking the first time someone under 30 has held the position since 1969, when Ron Ziegler served as press secretary under President Richard Nixon.
From Capitol Hill to Trump’s Inner Circle
Hailing from New Hampshire, Leavitt’s political career began in Trump’s first administration, where she worked as an assistant press secretary. She later became the communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), who has been nominated by Trump to serve as U.N. ambassador.
Leavitt also ran for Congress in 2022, securing the Republican nomination in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District before narrowly losing to the Democratic incumbent. If elected, she would have been one of the first members of Generation Z in Congress and the first woman of that generation.
A Voice for the Next Generation
Leavitt has become a vocal advocate for engaging younger voters, a demographic that has historically leaned Democratic but showed notable shifts in the 2024 election. While voters under 30 still favored Vice President Kamala Harris, exit polls indicated a significant increase in support for Trump compared to his previous campaigns.
Leavitt attributes Trump’s gains among younger Americans to his focus on economic issues. “The president has a message that resonates with young people,” she said in an NPR interview in September. “If you want to live the American dream, afford a home, see costs go down for gas, groceries, and rent, then there’s only one option to vote for.”
While Harris’ campaign leaned heavily on viral internet moments, Leavitt dismissed their impact. “Young people care about policy,” she said. “They are struggling right now, and they’re looking for solutions, not just social media trends.”
Looking Ahead
As press secretary, Leavitt will play a critical role in shaping and disseminating the administration’s message as Trump embarks on his second term. Her ability to connect with younger voters, combined with her media savvy and Capitol Hill experience, positions her as a key figure in Trump’s effort to broaden his appeal.
Leavitt’s appointment underscores Trump’s reliance on trusted allies and rising Republican stars as he prepares to deliver on his administration’s ambitious agenda.
