At only 27 years old, Leavitt has become the youngest person ever to hold the prestigious position, quickly becoming a polarizing figure praised for her confidence yet scrutinized for her background, qualifications, and personal life.
During her initial press briefing, Caroline Leavitt immediately addressed concerns regarding transparency, boldly promising, “I commit to telling the truth from this podium every single day.”
This statement captured significant media attention, including praise from traditionally critical outlets.
The New York Times notably described her performance as “steady and unflinching,” signaling a strong beginning for the young press secretary.
However, her debut has not been without detractors. Joy Behar, co-host of ABC’s “The View,” sparked controversy by suggesting Leavitt was chosen primarily for her appearance rather than her skills or experience.
Behar’s statement, referencing a well-known quote from Trump about women being a “10,” received immediate backlash from supporters who defended Leavitt’s capabilities.
“She’s probably been put in there because according to Donald Trump, she’s a 10,” Behar remarked sarcastically during an episode of the daytime talk show.
The comments quickly ignited social media, with critics labeling Behar’s remarks as dismissive and rooted in jealousy. One Twitter user stated emphatically, “She got the job because she is qualified,” while another added, “Behar is just jealous.”
In response, Leavitt’s defenders emphasized her political credentials and past roles within Republican circles. Alyssa Farah Griffin, Behar’s co-host and a former Trump administration official herself, strongly countered Behar’s comments by asserting, “It’s not her first job—it was her first press briefing.
She worked in the previous administration,” highlighting Leavitt’s previous experience in political communications as evidence of her qualifications.
Leavitt’s previous roles underscore her trajectory toward the prominent position she holds today. She began her political career as a Fox News intern before quickly ascending the ranks within Trump’s team.
Caroline served as an assistant press secretary during Trump’s first term, then as his national press secretary throughout his successful 2024 presidential campaign.
Between positions in Trump’s administrations, Leavitt served as communications director for New York Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, further solidifying her experience in national politics.
Despite a failed congressional bid in New Hampshire during the 2022 elections, Leavitt’s profile only grew, especially within conservative circles, where her staunch loyalty to Trump became one of her defining traits.
Leavitt’s personal life, especially her relationship with business mogul Nicholas Rio, also attracted media attention. Rio, who is 32 years her senior, has been described by Leavitt as her “complete opposite” and “the best man she’s ever met.”
Their relationship, established through mutual connections at a political event, culminated in a widely publicized Christmas Day proposal in 2023. They share a son, Nico, born in July 2024, further cementing their family-oriented image.
Leavitt’s active presence on Instagram, where she regularly posts to hundreds of thousands of followers, distinguishes her significantly from previous press secretaries who maintained more private profiles.
Her posts, often showcasing flirty selfies, workout routines, and even provocative political stances—including a notable 2022 shooting range image captioned “Joe Biden, come and take it”—further fuel both support and criticism, depending on the viewer’s political leanings.
Media commentators and influential conservative figures quickly rallied around Leavitt in the wake of Behar’s comments. Podcaster Charlie Kirk criticized Behar, calling her remark “idiotic and bitter,” underscoring a narrative within conservative media that the liberal mainstream often unfairly targets young, successful conservative women.
Megyn Kelly, former Fox News anchor, echoed Kirk’s sentiment while humorously adding, “the new Trump administration is indeed making America hot again.”
But beyond partisan debate, Leavitt’s rapid ascent and powerful debut represent a strategic messaging choice by the Trump administration. Following a tense election cycle and amid ongoing political turmoil, her youthful energy, digital savvy, and unwavering loyalty to Trump align closely with the administration’s communication strategy.
Her ability to command media attention and navigate controversy plays directly into Trump’s preferred style of governance, characterized by confrontation, spectacle, and the continuous shaping of public narrative.
Leavitt’s commitment to Trump was notably illustrated after a dramatic assassination attempt on the former president in July 2024. Despite having just given birth, Leavitt swiftly returned to Trump’s side, underscoring her dedication.
Speaking to conservative outlets afterward, she recounted the urgency of the moment, telling her husband, “Looks like I’m going back to work.”
As her tenure unfolds, Caroline Leavitt’s effectiveness as White House Press Secretary will ultimately be measured by her ability to manage media narratives, communicate Trump administration policies effectively, and withstand intense public and political scrutiny.
Early reactions suggest a dynamic, potentially transformative tenure ahead, capable of either reinforcing or reshaping perceptions of both Trump’s administration and young conservative women in prominent political roles.
Regardless of future developments, Caroline Leavitt’s story—marked by her youth, controversy, personal choices, and unyielding commitment to President Trump—is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing political narratives in recent American history.
