Karoline Leavitt, who previously served as White House press secretary under President Donald Trump, is set to join Fox News Media as an on-air contributor. The network announced her hiring on Monday, two days before her scheduled start date of November 1. Leavitt's new role will see her appear across both the news and opinion programming offered by Fox News. This move comes as the nation approaches the November 3 elections, placing her debut in a politically charged environment.
"Karoline’s firsthand experience in the White House and on the presidential campaign trail gives her a distinct understanding of today’s political landscape." Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News Media.
Leavitt, at 29 years old, made history as the youngest individual to hold the position of White House press secretary under President Trump. She departed the administration in August, following the birth of her second child in May, stating her intention to take maternity leave. Upon her exit, Leavitt clarified that she was not retreating from the political arena, asserting her commitment to "remain a vocal advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party." Her new position at Fox News is expected to allow her to fulfill this pledge from outside Washington D.C., as she and her family have relocated to her home state of New Hampshire.
In a statement released by Fox News with the announcement, Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News Media, emphasized the value Leavitt brings to the network. "Karoline’s firsthand experience in the White House and on the presidential campaign trail gives her a distinct understanding of today’s political landscape," Scott commented. Leavitt herself expressed her intent to offer viewers "the unique perspective and candor that defined my tenure with the Trump administration."
During her time as press secretary, Leavitt quickly gained a reputation as a staunch defender of President Trump and his administration. She was known for challenging reporters in the briefing room and frequently critiqued mainstream media coverage of the administration. President Trump publicly acknowledged her communication style, praising her "rapid-fire speaking style" and noting that her lips "move like a ‘machine gun.'" Beyond her public role, Leavitt also served as a direct informational conduit for reporters, even those with whom she often clashed.
The hiring of former administration officials is not an unprecedented move for Fox News. Kayleigh McEnany, who managed White House briefings during the latter part of President Trump's first term, joined the network as a contributor in 2021 and now co-hosts "Outnumbered" in addition to hosting a Saturday program. Similarly, Dana Perino, who served as press secretary under President George W. Bush, has been with Fox News since 2009. The flow of personnel between the network and the Trump administration has been bidirectional; President Trump appointed Fox personalities such as Pete Hegseth, Sean Duffy, and Mehmet Oz to senior administration posts. His daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, also hosts a weekly program on the network, and prime-time hosts Sean Hannity and Jesse Watters are outspoken proponents of the President. Administration officials are frequent guests on Fox programs.
Despite these close ties and personnel movements, President Trump has not refrained from criticizing Fox News over its coverage. Recently, he accused the network of broadcasting "a completely negative narrative." He further stated that "MAGA, and REAL Patriots, will never like Fox!" President Trump reiterated his criticisms on Sunday, specifically targeting "Fox & Friends" and expressing disapproval of the network's decision to remove Maria Bartiromo from the air.
Leavitt's addition to the Fox News lineup further integrates individuals from President Trump's inner circle into the network's roster of commentators. She joins other former press secretaries like McEnany and Perino, bringing her direct experience from the highest levels of the Trump administration to national television.
