Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Wednesday evening that she has offered her assistance to President Donald Trump in selecting a successor for the role, following the five-day tenure of Katie Zacharia. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Leavitt said, "I've offered my help to the president to help him select someone who can serve him and the country well."
Leavitt served as Trump's press secretary from the start of his second term until August 27, when she resigned to spend more time with her two young children, including a daughter born in May. Her successor, political commentator Katie Zacharia, assumed the position earlier this month but departed after just five days, making her the shortest-serving White House press secretary in U.S. history.
Reflecting on the demands of the role, Leavitt explained that the position requires significant preparation and that a candidate's true capabilities often remain uncertain until they are tested in the field. She described the job as one of the hardest in politics, having held it for almost two years. Regarding Zacharia's brief stint, Leavitt said, "The job obviously was not for her, but we wish her and her family well."
Leavitt indicated that Trump is "continuing to look over options" for the vacancy, noting that many individuals are interested in the position due to the opportunities it provides. When asked about specific advice she has given the president, Leavitt declined to share private counsel but confirmed she discusses the nature of the job with him. She stated that Trump understands he requires someone who is tough, smart, loyal, and capable of defending his policies.
A native of New Hampshire, Leavitt began her political career as an intern in the Trump White House after graduating from Saint Anselm College in 2019. She later served as an assistant White House press secretary at the end of Trump's first term. Following the 2020 election, she worked as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik and as spokeswoman for the super PAC MAGA Inc. before becoming press secretary for Trump's 2024 campaign. Upon taking office in 2024, Leavitt became the youngest person to hold the White House press secretary title.
Leavitt previously ran for Congress in 2022, winning the Republican nomination in New Hampshire's 1st District but losing the general election to incumbent Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Asked about a potential run for public office in 2028 when Sen. Maggie Hassan faces re-election, Leavitt stated she has no plans to run for office in the near future or at any time. She emphasized her current focus on being a wife and mother, citing that decision as the reason for leaving Washington.
Leavitt is scheduled to become a Fox News contributor at the start of November.