Reported by 2 sources

The short version

  • Karoline Leavitt will begin her role as an on-air contributor for Fox News on November 1, following her departure from the White House in August.
  • President Trump has recently criticized the network for insufficient loyalty and lack of rally coverage, despite hiring several former associates to key administration roles.
  • Leavitt joins a pattern of former press secretaries moving to the network, including Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Kayleigh McEnany, while maintaining ties to Trump-aligned political groups.

Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary in history, has secured a new position as an on-air contributor for Fox News. The network announced the appointment on Monday, confirming that Leavitt will begin providing commentary starting November 1. This move marks another instance of a former administration official transitioning directly into a media role at the channel, continuing a trend established by her predecessors Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Kayleigh McEnany.

Suzanne Scott, the chief executive officer of Fox News, highlighted Leavitt’s background in a statement regarding the hire. She noted that Leavitt’s direct experience within the White House and on presidential campaign trails provides a unique vantage point on current political dynamics. Scott described Leavitt’s insights as authentic and sharp, suggesting her perspective would add value to the network’s coverage of national affairs.

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Leavitt responded to the announcement by expressing gratitude for the opportunity. She stated that she intends to bring the same energy and candor that characterized her time in the West Wing to the network’s diverse platforms. At 29 years old, Leavitt is entering this new chapter shortly after stepping down from her government post in August, a departure she attributed to the birth of her second child and a desire to spend more time with her family.

Her tenure as press secretary was marked by significant changes to how the White House managed media interactions. Leavitt sought to exert tighter control over the press pool, which consists of journalists who closely follow the president’s daily schedule. She also introduced a new briefing room seat designated for digital media, a position frequently occupied by conservative commentators and individuals supportive of President Trump. These moves often led to friction with traditional reporters.

Despite her recent departure, Leavitt remains closely aligned with the Trump political ecosystem. Upon leaving the White House, she indicated plans to take a role with Maga Inc., a super PAC associated with the former president. During her time in office, she was widely regarded as one of Trump’s most steadfast defenders, regularly receiving public praise from him for her loyalty and performance.

The timing of Leavitt’s hiring coincides with visible tension between President Trump and Fox News leadership. Although the network played a crucial role in launching his political career, Trump has recently voiced dissatisfaction with its coverage. In a lengthy post on Truth Social, he criticized the morning show Fox & Friends for failing to air footage of his recent rallies, warning that viewers might stop watching if the content did not align with their expectations.

Trump’s complaints extended beyond specific programming choices. He accused the network of giving too much platform to political opponents without adequate rebuttal and expressed displeasure over the departure of longtime host Maria Bartiromo. These criticisms highlight a complex relationship where the president relies on the network for support while simultaneously demanding greater editorial alignment with his agenda.

Even amid these disputes, the flow of personnel between the Trump administration and Fox News continues. Several former associates, including Larry Kudlow, have joined or remained as regular contributors. Kudlow recently replaced Bartiromo in the Sunday morning lineup, illustrating the enduring professional ties between the two entities. Leavitt’s addition to the roster reinforces this pattern of mutual reinforcement despite public disagreements.

Leavitt’s transition underscores the blurred lines between government service and media commentary in the current political landscape. As she prepares to debut on November 1, her role will likely focus on interpreting White House actions through the lens of her recent experience. This move adds another voice to the network’s stable of former officials who offer insider perspectives on the administration’s strategies and decisions.

The broader implications of this hiring remain to be seen as midterm elections approach next month. With Trump continuing to criticize the network while his allies populate its airwaves, the dynamic suggests a strategic balancing act for Fox News. Leavitt’s presence may serve to bolster the network’s credibility among conservative viewers who value direct connections to the White House, even as editorial tensions persist.

Sources behind this briefing

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