In a recent interview with Good Morning America host Michael Strahan, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has sparked a wave of support from her followers, earning herself a new moniker.
The exchange, which saw Leavitt staunchly defending President Donald Trump's push to get federal government employees back to their Washington, DC offices, took Strahan by surprise.
Strahan voiced his apprehension over the potential departure of experienced government doctors and scientists who might prefer not to return to a five-day work week in their offices. "Is there any concern that we risk losing people with years of experience like doctors and let's say, scientists?" he queried. According to the Daily Mail, Leavitt retorted, "Well most doctors who work in actual hospitals and medical institutions have to show up in the office."
Leavitt's supporters rallied around her, dubbing her the 'grim reaper' for news presenters like Strahan, a former NFL player for the New York Giants. One supporter on social media platform X, sharing a video of the exchange, wrote, "Karoline Leavitt just took another soul on live TV. She's like the fake news' grim reaper." The video of the exchange quickly went viral, amassing over three million views.
Social media users celebrated Leavitt's performance, with one user, JoeT, writing, "Stone-cold killer. Will reach legend status." Another fan, David Belman, also on platform X, referenced Strahan's previous career, writing, "Karoline sacked Strahan"
At 27, Leavitt has quickly gained the backing of the president and his supporters, making history as the youngest press secretary ever. She made her debut in the White House press briefing room on Tuesday, announcing a shake-up of the seating arrangement by offering seats to new media outlets and influencers. "Whether you are a TikTok content creator, a blogger, a podcaster, if you are producing legitimate news content, no matter the medium, you will be allowed to apply for press credentials in this White House," she declared. Within hours, 7,400 people had already signed up for a seat.
Away from the White House, Leavitt spends time with her husband Nicholas Riccio and their baby son Niko. She expressed gratitude towards Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita for offering her a job during her pregnancy. "It's true when they say there's nothing comparable to the love you feel for your child. My heart has grown bigger than I ever imagined possible," she shared on Instagram, celebrating the birth of her son.
Leavitt returned to work just three days after giving birth, following an incident where Trump was shot at during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. "The president literally put his life on the line to win this election. The least I could do is get back to work quickly," she told The Conservator in an October interview.
Appointed by Trump as press secretary, Leavitt joined the ranks of other professionals in the White House. "He doesn't care if you're a man or a woman, with kids or no kids," Leavitt said of the president. "He just wants the hardest worker and the best person for the job. And that's what makes him a great boss."
Leavitt acknowledged the sacrifices required to work at the White House, but considered it an honor. "I remind myself this job is temporary, it's the opportunity of a lifetime, and I know one day he will be proud of his mama," she told her supporters.
In June, Leavitt made headlines after expressing concerns about "biased" debate moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash on CNN. The interview was abruptly ended by CNN Anchor Kasie Hunt, who declared she would not tolerate attacks on her colleagues' journalistic integrity.
Leavitt continued to defend Trump's directive for federal workers to return to the office. "We know that employees are more productive and more efficient when they are working in an in-office environment," she stated. Trump signed an executive order demanding that federal agencies devise a return to work plan. "Don't forget it's the American people that are funding this government and they deserve people that are actually showing up to work on their behalf," she added.
Leavitt pointed out that only six percent of federal workers in Washington, DC were working full time in their offices. "This government has been wasting millions of dollars on empty office space that is beautiful, I mean look at the beautiful buildings in this city. They're gorgeous, they've been here for decades," she said.
Earlier in the week, Trump offered federal workers a buyout option, allowing them to receive full pay and benefits until September if they chose to resign. The deadline for this offer is February 6th. As Leavitt continues to make waves in her role, her supporters and critics alike will be watching closely to see what comes next.
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