Leavitt opens up on helping Trump find new press secretary after Zacharia debacle: 'Wasn't for her'
Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is assisting President Donald Trump in selecting a new press secretary after his first pick, Katie Zacharia, served just five days in the role.
Leavitt confirmed her involvement in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on Wednesday evening. "I've offered my help to the president to help him select someone who can serve him and the country well," she stated. Zacharia's brief tenure began earlier this month but ended abruptly after just five days, making her the shortest-serving White House press secretary in U.S. history.
Challenging Position
Leavitt emphasized the difficulty of the press secretary role, noting she served from the start of Trump's second term until August 27 when she stepped down to spend more time with her two young children, including a daughter born in May. "White House press secretary is a tough job. I know that because I did it, obviously for almost two years, and many people say it's one of the hardest jobs in politics," she said.
The job obviously was not for her, but we wish her and her family well.
Selection Process
When asked about Trump's selection process, Leavitt noted the president "is continuing to look over options. There's a lot of people who want that job. It's an amazing job. It provides you with incredible opportunities." She declined to share specific advice but mentioned discussing the job's requirements with Trump.
"Nobody understands the press better than Donald Trump. He knows he needs someone who is tough, who is smart, who understands his policies, who is loyal, and who can go out there and put up a fight," Leavitt added, highlighting the qualities Trump is seeking in a replacement.
Leavitt's Background
A New Hampshire native, Leavitt served as an intern in the Trump White House after graduating from Saint Anselm College in 2019. She later became an assistant White House press secretary at the end of Trump's first term. After Trump's 2020 defeat, she worked as communications director for Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik before serving as spokeswoman for the Trump-aligned super PAC MAGA Inc.
Leavitt made history as the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary after being named to the position following Trump's 2024 election victory. She also ran for Congress in 2022, winning a GOP nomination in New Hampshire's 1st District before losing the general election to incumbent Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas.
Leavitt dismissed speculation about future political ambitions, stating "No, I'm all set. I don't have any plans to run for office in the near future at all, or in the future at all." She explained her focus is now on being a wife and mother to her two young children. Leavitt is set to become a Fox News contributor at the start of November.
Related
