Karoline Leavitt’s makeup artist says she received ‘death threats’ over Trump White House ties

WASHINGTON, DC: Working behind the scenes at the White House has come with an unexpected cost for makeup artist Brittany Danielle, who says she has been subjected to online abuse and even death threats because of her work with press secretary Karoline Leavitt and other members of the Trump administration.

In an IW Features interview published on Friday, July 31, Danielle opened up about the backlash she has faced over her connection to the administration. Although she is rarely in front of the camera herself, she said critics have targeted her simply because of the people she works with.

Brittany Danielle says online abuse escalated into death threats

Danielle, who regularly prepares Leavitt for press briefings, television appearances, and other public events, said the criticism she receives often has little to do with her personally.

"I was getting death threats," she said, adding that some of the messages became deeply personal.

"People were like, 'I pray every day that you go to hell,'" she recalled.

Danielle frequently shares behind-the-scenes photos of her work on Instagram, including posts featuring Leavitt, Lara Trump, and other White House staff members.

But after the online abuse intensified, she decided to make her account private instead of responding to the criticism.

"People talk so much trash, and they don't know the situation," she said.

Danielle also acknowledged that working with political figures brings a different level of scrutiny than most makeup jobs.

"The criticism that comes with working with a politician, it's harsh," she explained. "A lot of times they're attacking not the makeup artist, but they're attacking the politician, and you just happen to get wrapped up in it."

White House experience changed her perspective

Despite the backlash, Danielle said working inside the Trump administration has given her a new appreciation for the people she sees behind the scenes every day.

She said watching staff members work long hours has changed the way she views public service.

"Regardless of whatever someone's political views are, when you see the people tirelessly working behind the scenes for what they believe is best for the interest of the country, it really changes your mindset," she said.

Danielle added that the experience has given her a "new love" for America and a greater understanding of the work that happens away from the television cameras.

Brittany Danielle recalls how she met Karoline Leavitt

Danielle said her professional relationship with Leavitt began while she was working at Fox News.

She recalled that the press secretary arrived for a television appearance at the last minute and Danielle happened to be the only makeup artist available.

After the segment, Leavitt thanked her for the help, prompting Danielle to ask whether she had a regular hair and makeup artist.

Leavitt requested Danielle's phone number, and the two have continued working together ever since.

"I really want to make her look beautiful and feel really good," Danielle said.

She described Leavitt as someone who is constantly moving from one responsibility to another, making their work together fast-paced.

"Working around her is really unlike working with anybody else — and not just because she's press secretary," Danielle said. "It's because she really goes to work."

She added with a laugh that she often finds herself chasing Leavitt through the White House hallways before appearances.

"Sometimes I'm laughing hysterically because I'm chasing her down the hall before she goes on, and I'm like, 'Please don't forget to put your lipstick on, or don't forget to put your blush on,'" Danielle shared. 

Their working relationship has also grown into a friendship. Danielle said she helped organize Leavitt's baby shower in March before the press secretary welcomed her second child, daughter Viviana, in May.

She also handled Leavitt's makeup for her return to the White House briefing room on July 16, marking her first press conference after maternity leave.