Karoline Leavitt: The Youngest White House Press Secretary and Her Bold Stance on USAID
At just 27 years old, Karoline Leavitt has made history as the youngest White House press secretary. Appointed by President Donald Trump in 2024, she now stands at the forefront of the administration's communication strategy, taking a firm stance on several key policy issues. Recently, she made headlines for her criticism of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), supporting efforts led by the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to dismantle the agency.
During a press briefing, Leavitt accused USAID of misusing taxpayer money on projects that she described as unnecessary. She cited examples such as $1.5 million spent on diversity programs in Serbia, $70,000 for a diversity-themed musical in Ireland, $47,000 on a transgender opera in Colombia, and $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru. Leavitt made it clear that she fully backed Trump and Musk’s mission to eliminate the agency, calling it an essential step in stopping wasteful government spending. “I don't know about you, but as an American taxpayer, I don’t want my dollars going toward this crap, and I know the American people don’t either,” she declared. Her remarks quickly gained attention, drawing both praise and criticism from different political circles.
Who is Karoline Leavitt?
Karoline Leavitt’s rapid rise in the political world has been nothing short of remarkable. A native of New Hampshire, she studied communications and political science at Saint Anselm College, where she developed a strong interest in conservative politics. Her career began with internships at Fox News and in the White House press office during Trump’s first term. After graduating in 2019, she worked as a presidential writer and later became an assistant press secretary, assisting Kayleigh McEnany with White House briefings.
In 2022, Leavitt decided to enter politics herself by running for Congress in New Hampshire’s first district. Her campaign centered on key Republican issues such as tax cuts, strengthening law enforcement, and building the border wall. Although she won the Republican nomination, she was ultimately defeated in the general election. However, her strong media presence and ability to communicate conservative values effectively caught the attention of the Trump campaign.
Following her congressional run, she was appointed national press secretary for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. She also served as communications director for Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who was later nominated by Trump as the US Ambassador to the United Nations. Leavitt’s close ties to Trump’s inner circle and her experience in media strategy made her an ideal choice for the role of White House press secretary when Trump returned to office.
Personal Life
Karoline Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio. The couple’s relationship has drawn attention due to their significant 32-year age gap. Riccio proposed in December 2023, and they tied the knot in a private ceremony. In July 2024, the couple welcomed their son, Niko, further cementing Leavitt’s role as a young working mother in the political sphere.
Her appointment as press secretary has drawn comparisons to Ron Ziegler, who previously held the record as the youngest person in the role at age 29 under President Richard Nixon. However, Leavitt’s appointment at 27 has set a new precedent, showcasing Trump’s preference for youthful, media-savvy conservatives in key positions.
The Impact of Leavitt’s Leadership
Leavitt’s strong and often unapologetic stance on policy matters reflects Trump’s broader agenda. Her support for eliminating USAID aligns with the administration’s focus on cutting government programs deemed inefficient or unnecessary. Her criticisms of USAID’s spending have struck a chord with many conservative voters who view foreign aid as a misuse of taxpayer dollars. However, her remarks have also faced backlash from advocates who argue that USAID plays a crucial role in global humanitarian efforts.
As press secretary, Leavitt is expected to continue playing a central role in shaping the administration’s messaging. Her ability to navigate the media landscape and handle tough questions will be tested as the Trump administration moves forward with controversial policies. While her critics question her experience and assertiveness, her supporters see her as a fresh voice in Republican politics, capable of rallying the conservative base.
Karoline Leavitt’s journey from a college graduate to the youngest White House press secretary in history highlights the evolving landscape of American politics. Her rapid rise, unwavering support for Trump’s policies, and commitment to conservative principles make her one of the most influential figures in the current administration. Whether she will maintain her position and influence throughout Trump’s presidency remains to be seen, but for now, she is a key player in shaping the political discourse in Washington.