Trump's trusted former press secretary lands at Fox as president turns fire on network
JUST IN: @karolineleavitt is joining Fox News Channel as an on-air contributor after leaving the White House briefing room. The former White House press secretary will provide commentary across the Fox News lineup beginning Nov. 1. "Karoline’s firsthand experience in the White House and on the presidential campaign trail gives her a distinct understanding of today’s political landscape," FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said, adding that Leavitt will bring "authentic and sharp insight" across the network's platforms. Leavitt says she's ready for the next chapter: "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." Leavitt stepped down from the White House in August after making history as the youngest press secretary, saying she wanted to devote more time to her two young children. Read more about Leavitt's move to Fox News and when viewers will start seeing her on air: https://t.co/bnfrsfmra7
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 5, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump's former press secretary Karoline Leavitt is joining Fox News as an on-air contributor, bringing one of his most prominent defenders into a network he has recently criticized.
Fox News Media announced on Monday, October 5, that Leavitt will start from November 1, weeks after she left the administration following the birth of her second child.
Karoline Leavitt moves from podium to television
Leavitt, 29, served as Trump’s press secretary from January 2025 through August 2026, becoming the youngest person to hold the position.
She previously worked in Trump’s first administration and later joined his 2024 presidential campaign.
When announcing her departure, Trump called her one of his “most trusted aides.”
Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said Leavitt’s White House and campaign experience gave her a distinct understanding of the political landscape.
Leavitt said she would bring her experience as press secretary, along with the “same energy and candor,” to Fox’s platforms.
She will provide commentary across Fox News Media.
Her appointment also extends a well-established personnel connection between Fox and Trump’s administration.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously worked as a Fox host and contributor, while former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany joined the network after leaving government.
Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, also returned to Fox in 2025.
Trump's Fox criticism adds tension
Leavitt’s hiring comes days after Trump publicly attacked Fox over its coverage of his political appearances.
Sad to see that Fox & Friends (Sunday) is not covering our packed house and incredibly enthusiastic (beyond!) Rally that took place in Ohio last night, or the ones in Alabama, Texas, or Oklahoma over the past two days. These Election Rallies were representative of what is really happening with our great Republican Party. They were all sold out, with thousands of people trying to get in, and are absolutely phenomenal, better than ever! It’s the old undercurrent at FoxNews! Other networks are reporting about these Rallies, and really positively, like “crazy!” Our people want to see our Rallies, and reports on our Rallies, on FoxNews, or they will very quickly stop watching (like I am doing right now!). Fix spends more time talking to Communists, Socialists, and Dumocrats, often without rebuttal, and MAGA is not, to put it mildly, happy. We don’t like stupid Jessica Tarlov, and all of the others, that are forced down MAGA’S throats. These Rallies are the hottest things out there, tremendous love in those sold out arenas, and nothing shows up on Fox! Also, phenomenal ratings for those that properly report. Who makes these decisions at FoxNews? Probably the same loser that fired the great Maria Bartiromo because she complained about not being allowed to cover “TRUMP.” She’ll end up bigger and better than ever - watch! Cover our “happenings,” and not the opposition to Greatness for America, or FoxNews will soon have the ratings of FAKE NEWS CNN or MSNOW (MSDNC). Remember, Fox tried this act once before, and almost went out of business (and always right before an election!). That can happen again! Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DJT ( TS: Oct 4 2026, 9:11 AM ET )
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) October 4, 2026
On Sunday, he complained that Fox & Friends had not adequately covered his Ohio rally and other recent events, while criticizing the network for featuring Democratic voices.
Trump has remained a major figure on Fox programming, but his relationship with the network has also produced periodic public disputes over its coverage.
His latest criticism came as he campaigns ahead of the November midterms, increasing the political significance of the network’s coverage of his rallies and Republican candidates.
Leavitt’s new role differs from her White House position.
As press secretary, she spoke for the administration from the briefing room and regularly defended Trump’s policies.
At Fox, she will discuss the president and his administration as a contributor outside government.
Family choice leads back to public life
Leavitt announced her White House departure in August after taking maternity leave following the birth of her second child in May.
Trump said she was leaving to spend more time with her young children and family.
Trump announces that Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role as WH Press Secretary at the end of the month https://t.co/EFkqRFUfQu
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 12, 2026
Leavitt said the demands of the press secretary job had made balancing government responsibilities with motherhood difficult.
Before leaving, she had also indicated that she planned to remain involved in Trump’s political operation from outside the administration, including through MAGA Inc.
Her Fox appointment now gives her another national platform while keeping her connected to the political world she left this summer.
