Even if scriptwriters had tried, they couldn’t have picked a better White House Press Secretary than Karoline Leavitt. In an administration that thrives on media battles, rapid-fire comebacks, and a no-holds-barred approach to communication, Leavitt is the ideal protagonist. At just 27, she is not only the youngest Press Secretary in history but also the most unapologetically combative in recent memory.
Nothing exemplifies this better than her recent showdown over the Statue of Liberty. When French politician Raphaël Glucksmann suggested that the United States should return the statue, claiming America no longer represented its values, Leavitt wasted no time in shutting it down. “Absolutely not,” she declared, before delivering a withering historical reminder: “It’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. They should be grateful.” It was a quintessential Leavitt moment—patriotic, sharp, and impossible to ignore.
A Star is Born in New Hampshire
Leavitt’s journey to the White House podium started in the small town of Atkinson, New Hampshire, where she grew up in a conservative, business-oriented household. Her parents ran an ice cream shop and a used truck dealership—a background that might explain her relentless work ethic and ability to sell a message with conviction.
She excelled at Central Catholic High School in Massachusetts and later earned a softball scholarship to Saint Anselm College. But while most students were debating which coffee shop had the best WiFi, Leavitt was already making waves as a staunch defender of conservative policies. She founded the college’s first broadcasting club and penned op-eds in favour of President Trump, foreshadowing her future in Republican politics.
The Fast Track to Washington
Leavitt’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. From interning at Fox News to working in the White House’s Office of Presidential Correspondence, she quickly found herself in the heart of Trump-world. Her talent for communication landed her a role as an assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany, where she honed the skill of battling the mainstream media with a sharp tongue and unwavering confidence.
When Trump lost in 2020, she didn’t retreat. Instead, she doubled down, taking on the role of communications director for Representative Elise Stefanik, a key Trump ally. In 2022, she launched a campaign for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, positioning herself as a rising conservative star. She won the Republican primary but lost the general election—an outcome that did little to dent her political future.
The Personal is Political
Leavitt’s life outside the briefing room has been just as compelling. In early 2025, she married Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer 32 years her senior. Their age gap became an instant topic of political gossip, but Leavitt dismissed the chatter, emphasising that their relationship is based on shared values, mutual respect, and a love for the country—arguably the most Republican love story ever.
In July 2024, she gave birth to her son, Nicholas Robert Riccio, whom she affectionately calls Niko. If balancing motherhood and the high-pressure role of Press Secretary wasn’t enough, she’s also navigating the endless media scrutiny that comes with both.
Making the Press Briefing Room Great Again
From her very first day as Press Secretary, Leavitt signalled that things were about to change. She announced that independent journalists, podcasters, and social media influencers would be granted credentials to White House briefings—sending a clear message that traditional media was no longer the sole gatekeeper of information.
Her exchanges with reporters have been nothing short of fiery. Whether clashing with the Associated Press over tariffs, shutting down CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on autopen signatures, or calling a New York Times reporter a “left-wing stenographer,” she has quickly established herself as a combative, no-nonsense spokesperson for the Trump administration.
The Statue of Liberty Incident: A Perfect Example of Leavitt’s Style
One of Leavitt’s most viral moments came when French politician Raphaël Glucksmann suggested that the United States should return the Statue of Liberty, claiming America no longer represented its values. Without missing a beat, Leavitt responded with, “Absolutely not,” before delivering a withering historical reminder: “It’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now. They should be grateful.”
It was classic Leavitt—patriotic, sharp, and impossible to ignore. The statement set social media ablaze, with conservatives cheering her for standing up for America and critics accusing her of being combative for no reason. But if the goal was to dominate the conversation, mission accomplished.
Other Notable Clashes with the Media
Leavitt’s tenure has already been filled with viral moments where she has gone head-to-head with journalists:
- Tariff Debate with the Associated Press: When questioned whether President Trump’s tariffs amounted to a tax hike on American consumers, Leavitt countered by stating that tariffs were actually “a tax cut for the American people,” as they targeted foreign countries instead.
- CNN’s Kaitlan Collins and the Autopen Controversy: When Collins asked for evidence supporting Trump’s claim that President Biden had used an autopen for pardons, Leavitt shot back, “You’re the reporter. You should find out,” highlighting the investigative role of journalists.
- Press Freedoms Debate with The New York Times’ Peter Baker: When Baker compared Trump’s actions to those of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Leavitt dismissed the question by labelling him a “left-wing stenographer.
- Boycotting the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner: Leavitt refused to attend the annual event, calling the association a “monetised monopoly” over White House reporting and advocating for the inclusion of independent media voices.
The Future of Karoline Leavitt
As Trump’s Press Secretary, Leavitt isn’t just reading from a script—she’s helping write it. Her ability to control the narrative, push back against critics, and redefine the role of media in the White House makes her a perfect fit for Trump 2.0. But beyond her current role, history suggests that White House Press Secretaries often leverage their visibility for bigger political ambitions—just ask Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Huckabee Sanders, who served as Press Secretary under Trump from 2017 to 2019, used her time behind the podium as a launching pad for her political career. After years of going head-to-head with the press, she ran for governor in her home state of Arkansas in 2022, easily securing the Republican nomination and winning the election. She has since positioned herself as one of the strongest Trump-aligned figures in state politics, pushing a bold conservative agenda and keeping her name in the national conversation.
Could Leavitt follow the same path? Absolutely. She’s young, ambitious, and already has a strong base of support within the MAGA movement. Her experience as a congressional candidate in New Hampshire shows she’s willing to step into the political arena, and with a few more years of media dominance under her belt, she could be an even stronger contender if she runs again.
Alternatively, she could take the Tucker Carlson route—transitioning into conservative media and building an empire as a commentator. With her rapid-fire delivery and ability to skewer the press, she would be a natural fit on Fox News or even as an independent media force.
Either way, one thing is clear—Karoline Leavitt isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
