In her debut briefing on January 28, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt presented herself as a vocal advocate for President Donald Trump, following his bold communication style. The 27-year-old press secretary, the youngest to ever hold the position, delivered a forceful performance that included confrontational exchanges with reporters, particularly over a freeze on federal grants. Leavitt also emphasized that Trump, rather than herself, would remain the administration’s primary spokesperson.
Leavitt made it clear that Trump would continue to dominate media interactions, saying, “The president is the best spokesperson this White House has, and you’ll be hearing from both him and me as much as possible.” This approach signals a shift back to the brash, media-savvy tactics that characterized Trump’s first term. Since taking office earlier in January, Trump has been highly visible, engaging directly with the press in a manner quite different from his predecessor, Joe Biden, who was more reserved and often avoided media questioning.
The new administration’s approach contrasts sharply with Biden’s, who during his presidency was often reluctant to engage with the media, sometimes speaking in a manner that left his statements unclear. In contrast, Trump has been consistently visible, frequently responding to questions from reporters in various settings, including multiple interactions during his trips to North Carolina and California. Trump’s openness to the press has even extended to more informal settings, such as impromptu conversations with reporters aboard Air Force One.
In these exchanges, Trump has shown his penchant for bold statements and humor. He has actively sought to challenge the press, dismissing questions he disagrees with as “fake news” and frequently offering unsolicited opinions on various topics, including the impact of policies on environmental issues like California’s wildfires. His active engagement with the media is part of his broader strategy to maintain a constant presence in the news cycle, contrasting with the less frequent interactions seen during Biden’s presidency.
Leavitt’s first briefing reflected this approach. During the 46-minute session, which Trump reportedly watched from another part of the White House, Leavitt took a combative stance, criticizing media outlets she accused of favoring Biden’s administration. She also signaled that the White House would be giving a stronger voice to conservative media, along with influencers such as bloggers and podcasters. This strategic move shows a clear intent to ensure that voices sympathetic to Trump’s policies are heard in the White House briefing room, signaling a continued media presence similar to that of the previous administration.
