Karoline Leavitt, the youngest individual to serve as White House Press Secretary in American history, has announced her next career move following her departure from President Donald Trump’s administration at the end of August. Beginning November 1, she will take on the role of contributor at Fox News, as revealed in a joint announcement made on October 5 by Leavitt and Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott.
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At just 29 years old, Leavitt gained significant recognition during her tenure at the White House, notably becoming the first press secretary to manage the position while pregnant. Her historic appointment took place in January 2025, when she was only 27. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the Fox News team, emphasising her eagerness to share her insights based on her White House experiences with the network’s extensive audience.
Scott highlighted Leavitt’s firsthand experience, stating that her background in the White House and on the campaign trail equips her with a nuanced perspective on the current political climate. This unique qualification, according to Scott, will allow Leavitt to offer authentic and sharp analysis to viewers of Fox News.
Leavitt’s transition to Fox News follows an announcement made by President Trump on August 12, where he stated she would be stepping down from her role to focus more on her family. Trump shared on Truth Social that he understood Leavitt’s decision, expressing respect for her desire to spend time with her children. Leavitt has two young children—a daughter named Viviana, born on May 1, and her two-year-old son, Niko—with her husband Nicholas Riccio.
During her final weeks at the White House, Leavitt indicated her intention to work with MAGA Inc., the super PAC supporting Trump, after leaving her official position. She described the role of press secretary as one of the most taxing jobs imaginable, and ultimately felt she could not give her children the attention they deserved while fully committing to her responsibilities at the White House. Leavitt articulated that her commitment to her family drove her to make this challenging decision, stating that while she is stepping back, her fight in the political arena continues.
Remarkably, Leavitt returned to her post just months after her maternity leave, having given birth to her daughter in early May. Her tenure was significant not only for her age and circumstances but also as she navigated the complexities of the role during a politically charged period. She informed reporters about her plans after completing her official duties and suggested that her experience would continue to influence her contributions to the Republican Party.
Since taking office, Trump has seen a number of press secretaries come and go, having worked with four different individuals before Leavitt. She leaves behind a notable legacy as a leader in the White House, as per the president’s commendation of her work ethic and impact during her time in office. Consequently, the search for her replacement within the administration remains ongoing, with no immediate announcement made by Trump.
As Karoline Leavitt embarks on this new phase of her career, her path will undoubtedly be watched closely by both supporters and critics alike, given her influential background and the evolving political landscape. Her new role at Fox News signals a continuation of her involvement in the public sphere, where she is expected to provide insightful commentary and analysis shaped by her time in one of the highest echelons of American government.