Who is Karoline Leavitt? 27 year-old White House Press Secretary who Trump says has lips like a machine gun

In a recent interview, President Donald Trump lavished unusually personal praise on his White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt. During a Friday night sit-down with Newsmax host Rob Finnerty, Trump singled out Leavitt’s appearance and demeanor, saying, “It’s that face. It’s that brain. It’s those lips, the way they move. They move like she’s a machine gun.”

He added, “She’s become a star. She’s a great person, actually. I don’t think anybody has ever had a better press secretary than Karoline. She’s been amazing.” The remarks stirred both admiration from Trump supporters and discomfort among critics, sparking a conversation about professionalism and boundaries in politics.

Who is Karoline Leavitt?
Karoline Claire Leavitt, 27, is the youngest White House Press Secretary in U.S. history, appointed by Trump for his second term beginning in 2025. A native of New Hampshire, Leavitt previously worked as a presidential speechwriter and assistant press secretary during Trump’s first administration.


She was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family and credits her Catholic education for instilling strong work values. Leavitt graduated in 2015 from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and went on to attend Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. At Saint Anselm, she earned a bachelor's degree in communications and politics in 2019, playing a pioneering role by founding the college's first broadcasting club.

She also interned at Fox News during the 2016 presidential election and worked at Hearst Television WMUR-TV during college.

Before joining the White House, she was a congressional candidate for New Hampshire’s 1st district in 2022 and has been a steadfast supporter of Trump’s policy agenda and communication strategy.

Leavitt made headlines not only for her meteoric political rise but also for her personal life. She married 59-year-old real estate developer Nicholas Riccio in January 2025, shortly before Trump’s inauguration. The age gap and her rapid ascent have drawn public interest alongside her career achievements. A photograph of Leavitt multitasking as a mother and press secretary also gained attention.

Trump’s praise and social media reaction
Trump’s effusive compliments about Leavitt’s lips moved beyond typical professional praise, prompting a mix of reactions. On social media, many users described Trump’s comments as “creepy,” “uncomfortable,” and “inappropriate.” Some critics compared the tone to past controversies involving Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, lamenting what they see as continued problematic behavior.

Supporters of Trump and Leavitt praised the president’s high regard for his press secretary, highlighting her youth, intelligence, and adept handling of the challenging role.

Others called out media outlets for not questioning Trump more aggressively about the remarks, pointing to a double standard in political discourse.

The remarks also coincided with Leavitt’s own vocal praise for Trump’s foreign policy. At a White House briefing shortly before the interview, she claimed Trump brokered “about one peace deal or ceasefire per month” during his first six months back in office and urged he be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.