US president-elect Donald Trump on Friday announced that Karoline Leavitt is his pick for White House press secretary.
As he picked Leavitt, Trump said, "Karoline is smart, tough and has proven to be a highly effective communicator." He added that he is confident that Leavitt will excel at the podium and deliver his administration's message to Americans as they "Make America Great Again".
Who is Karoline Leavitt?
Karoline Leavitt was the national press secretary of Trump's election campaign and has been the spokesperson for the transition team.
Leavitt was the assistant press secretary during the first Trump administration under Kaleigh McEnany. Following this, she served as the communications director for New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is currently preparing to take over as the US ambassador to the UN.
Leavitt contested for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022 but lost to Chris Pappas.
Reacting to Trump's announcement, Leavitt said she is humbled and honoured, thanking the president-elect for believing in her.
On November 6, after Trump defeated rival Kamala Harris in the presidential elections, Leavitt said it was an honour for her to speak on behalf of Trump's campaign.
"I’ll never forget the feeling of joy when the race was officially called, standing backstage with the hardest working team in politics. In that moment, all of the blood, sweat, and tears were instantly worth it," she added.
Leavitt said Trump went "through hell" in his "selfless pursuit" to save America.