Fox News is getting its former White House press secretary back on air. Karoline Leavitt, 29, is joining the network as an on-air contributor after stepping down as President Donald Trump’s 36th press secretary in August 2026. FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott announced the move on Monday.
Leavitt will start on Nov. 1 and provide commentary across the Fox News lineup. Her return comes just months after she left the White House, where she was the youngest person to hold the role in history.
Leavitt’s Path to the White House
Leavitt’s resume reads like a straight line to the Oval Office. She joined MAGA Inc. as a spokesperson before moving to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. From there, she became the youngest White House press secretary ever.
Her tenure was marked by a reputation as an unwavering messenger of the president’s agenda. As the administration’s chief spokesperson, she regularly addressed the White House press corps and represented the administration on a wide range of domestic and foreign policy issues.
Leavitt’s energy and candor were defining traits of her time in office. Those same qualities are now what Fox News is selling to its audience.
Scott’s Statement on the Hire
Scott framed the hire as a win for Fox News’s credibility. “Karoline’s firsthand experience in the White House and on the presidential campaign trail gives her a distinct understanding of today’s political landscape,” she said in a statement. “We look forward to her providing our audience with authentic and sharp insight across all FOX News Media platforms.”
The authenticity pitch is notable. Fox News has spent years positioning itself as a trusted source of news, and Leavitt’s direct access to the White House fits that narrative.
Leavitt’s Own Words on the Move
Leavitt offered her own take on the transition in a statement. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue appearing on Fox News Channel as an official member of the extraordinary team at FOX News Media,” she said. “I look forward to bringing my unique perspective from my experience as White House press secretary, along with the same energy and candor that defined my tenure, to Fox’s millions of viewers across their many platforms.”
The statement lands softly. She does not mention her exit from the White House directly, instead focusing on her new role and her existing relationship with the network.
The Bittersweet Exit
Leavitt’s departure from the White House was not a clean split. In August, she confirmed her departure in a lengthy post on X, saying she made the “bittersweet decision” after concluding she could not balance the demands of serving as press secretary with being the mother she wants to be to her two young children.
That personal note drew attention from viewers who followed her career closely.
Early Career and Education
Before the White House, Leavitt worked in Trump’s first administration as a presidential writer and assistant press secretary. She previously ran as the Republican candidate for Congress in her home state of New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District in 2022.
She also served as communications director for then-House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Leavitt graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2019 with a degree in politics and communication. She held an internship at Fox News during the 2016 presidential election.
What Leavitt Brings to Fox News
Leavitt’s value to Fox News is her proximity to power. As White House press secretary, she addressed the White House press corps and represented the administration on a wide range of domestic and foreign policy issues. That hands-on experience gives her a cache that most contributors lack.
Her youth is also a talking point. At 29, she was the youngest person to hold the press secretary role in history.
The Network’s Interest in Leavitt
Fox News has a history of hiring people with access to the White House. Leavitt’s return fits that pattern. The network gets a fresh face with insider knowledge, and Leavitt gets a platform that reaches millions of viewers.
The arrangement is mutually beneficial. Fox News gets a young, energetic voice with direct experience of the administration. Leavitt gets a steady gig that allows her to be a mother while staying in the public eye.
What Comes Next for Leavitt
Leavitt’s first contribution will come on Nov. 1. After that, her schedule is unclear.
Her departure from the White House was publicly acknowledged in her X post, which explained her family-focused reasoning for leaving.
Key Facts Box
- Leavitt’s age: 29
- Role: On-air contributor, starting Nov. 1
- Previous role: 36th White House press secretary
- Tenure: January 2025 to August 2026
- Education: Saint Anselm College, 2019, politics and communication
- Experience: MAGA Inc., Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, White House press secretary
The Bottom Line
Leavitt’s return to Fox News is a reminder of how fluid the media-politics complex has become. A White House press secretary can leave the administration, step away for a few months, and then return to television with barely a pause.
The network benefits from her presence. Leavitt brings recent experience, youth, and a reputation for speaking plainly. For Fox News, that combination is a valuable asset.
For Leavitt, the move is a natural progression. She has spent her career building a portfolio that includes government service, campaigns, and television work.
Fox News has added a fresh voice to its lineup. Leavitt has found a home that suits her skills. And the White House has lost one of its most visible messengers.
The only question now is how long Leavitt’s stint at Fox News lasts. Given her track record, it may not be long before she moves again.
Source material: “Karoline Leavitt joins Fox News as contributor after leaving White House press secretary role,” Fox News.
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