White House Press Sec on Trump, Media & Faith

Trump White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Shares Inside Stories

Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, recently spoke at a Turning Point USA event. She shared personal stories about her journey into politics, her work for President Trump, and her views on the media. Leavitt, who is nine months pregnant, spoke with enthusiasm about her experiences and offered advice to young conservatives.

From Congress to the White House Press Briefing Room

Leavitt detailed her path to becoming White House Press Secretary. She first ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022. Although she didn’t win that election, she found a new opportunity. She worked for President Trump’s campaign and later was appointed to her current role.

She described how Turning Point USA and Charlie Kirk were among the few organizations to support her congressional campaign. This support was crucial when the political establishment backed her opponent. Leavitt emphasized that Kirk kept his word and supported her throughout the entire race.

After losing her congressional bid, Leavitt joined Trump’s MAGA, Inc. super PAC as a spokeswoman. She later became a spokesperson for the Trump campaign. Following the election win, President Trump personally informed her she would be the White House Press Secretary.

“He goes, ‘Oh, by the way, you know you’re going to be the White House press secretary, right?’ I said, ‘Oh, okay.'” Leavitt recounted. This understated announcement was characteristic of Trump’s style, she noted.

The Best Part of Working for President Trump

Leavitt highlighted the transparency of President Trump as the best aspect of her job. She stated that what people see from him publicly is exactly what they get behind the scenes. This authenticity makes her job easier because there is no need for spin or guessing.

She contrasted this with her predecessor, who she believes had a harder time due to a lack of open communication with the president. Leavitt stressed that Trump’s accessibility and honesty are refreshing for both the staff and the American public.

Navigating the 24/7 News Cycle

The fast-paced nature of the news cycle is a significant challenge. Leavitt mentioned that she often receives many texts and calls, requiring her to quickly gather facts and respond. She stays informed by monitoring various news outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post.

Leavitt admitted that reading these reports, especially early in the morning, can keep her awake. She and her team often send out corrections or statements to reporters based on inaccurate stories. This constant engagement is part of working on the front lines of news at the White House.

Combating Media Bias

Leavitt expressed concern about the perceived liberal bias in much of the media. She cited studies showing overwhelmingly negative coverage of President Trump and his policies. This bias, she argued, makes it remarkable that Trump received nearly 80 million votes.

She criticized the journalistic integrity of some outlets, noting how they often rely on anonymous sources. Leavitt stated that these outlets sometimes write stories without verifying information with those directly involved. Her team receives hundreds of press inquiries daily, many with a biased perspective that requires careful fact-checking.

“Do not believe everything you read,” Leavitt advised the audience. “If you showed up willingly to this event tonight, you probably already don’t, which is why you’re a supporter of Turning Point and all the great work that Charlie did and Erica continues to do because you want truth… in our media landscape today and we need more of it.”

Finding Truth in a Crowded Information Landscape

Leavitt acknowledged that there is no easy way to determine what is factual. She advised taking everything with a grain of salt and looking at multiple sources. She noted that rumors on platforms like X can sometimes become mainstream news narratives.

Her advice to students is to be the most well-read person in every room. She explained that understanding what legacy media and online platforms are saying is crucial for responding to misinformation. Leavitt also mentioned that President Trump himself is incredibly well-informed, consuming vast amounts of news daily.

Faith as an Anchor

Leavitt shared how faith helps her cope with the pressures of her job. She and her team pray before every press briefing. This practice helps them prepare for challenging interactions with journalists.

She described a powerful moment when Secretary Turner led a prayer over President Trump and the cabinet during a private meeting. Leavitt found it moving to witness such influential figures humbling themselves in prayer. She also mentioned that a Bible study group, primarily for women in the West Wing, has been formed.

Balancing Career, Family, and Faith

Leavitt discussed the challenge of balancing her demanding career with her family life. As a mother, she prioritizes her husband and son above all else, after God. She strives to be present at work and at home, especially for her son’s bedtime routine.

She believes women can balance career and family but stresses the importance of prioritizing time and relying on a strong support system. Leavitt’s mother, husband, friends, and family provide crucial help.

Advice for Young Conservatives

Leavitt encouraged young conservatives to be courageous and speak freely, especially on college campuses where they may be in the ideological minority. She recalled writing editorials in her college newspaper, which, though potentially disliked by professors, empowered her voice.

She advised students not to compromise their beliefs for a better grade. Standing up for truth, she argued, leads to better opportunities and stronger relationships. Leavitt also encouraged applying for positions, like White House internships, even if one feels unqualified, emphasizing that hard work can open doors.

Source: Erika Kirk, Karoline Leavitt talk Trump stories, politics & more at TPUSA event (YouTube)