Her rapid rise from intern to the administration's chief spokesperson marks her as a uniquely influential figure and the future standard-bearer for the conservative movement. (Image: Instagram)
In the powerful ecosystem of Trumpworld, filled with seasoned politicians and billionaire advisors, a single name from the inner circle has broken through to a global stage. On the 2025 TIME100 Next list of the world's most influential emerging figures, 27-year-old White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is the only member of the Trump administration and the youngest person ever to hold the position.
TIME’s feature highlighted her confident handling of the press corps and her crucial role in shaping the administration’s public message. For a president who values loyalty and combativeness, Leavitt has become more than just a spokesperson; she is, as TIME notes, “a standard bearer for the movement’s future.”
Karoline Leavitt’s career is a classic story of themodern Trumpian ascent. A native of Atkinson, New Hampshire, she graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2019 and began her political career with an internship in the Office of Presidential Correspondence. She quickly advanced to associate director, demonstrating an early knack for navigating the White House machinery.
Her big break came when she joined the White House press office under Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany as an assistant press secretary, a role she reportedly secured with a referral from a Secret Service colleague.This first move paved the way for her quick ascent and demonstrated the unique combination of opportunity and networking that characterizes Washington.
Her campaign for Congress in the 1st District of New Hampshire in 2022 was a significant turning point. Even though Democrat Chris Pappas defeated her by a slim margin, the campaign was a turning point. It was on the campaign trail that she honed the "combative instincts that Trump prizes," as observed by TIME. This big race put her in the spotlight and showed she had grit and loyalty—qualities that landed her the role of press secretary for Trump’s 2024 winning campaign.
Her performance there made her the obvious choice for the top White House job, where she made history on her first day.
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Leavitt’s influence stems from her control over the most visible communications perch in the U.S. government. She has developed a composed yet assertive style from her first official briefing on January 28, 2025, when she confidently answered questions about both home and foreign affairs. "Good afternoon, folks," her go-to greeting, has come to represent her dominance of the briefing room.
President Trump has publicly affirmed his trust in her, telling the BBC she is “smart, tough, and a highly effective communicator.” Conservative insiders see her as a vital bridge between the administration and the next generation, making her inclusion in the TIME100 Next a strategic asset for the movement.
