At just 27 years old, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is the youngest individual ever appointed to the role. That milestone, however, has come under scrutiny on social media and in the press — fueled by criticism of her age and the administration’s handling of last week’s contentious press briefing, during which she defended both her selection and her performance in office.

“You’re Not Too Young”: Leavitt Recounts Trump’s Confidence

In a video aimed at countering age-related attacks, Leavitt recounted former President Trump’s encouragement during her appointment. “You’re not [too young],” she said he told her. “When I was 21, I was building buildings in Manhattan, and I believe you can have this job.”

Leavitt further framed the exchange as emblematic of Trump’s vision to uplift a new generation: “The president believes in the young people of this country, the future generations, and the next generation of leaders. He wants to leave the country better off for us and for our children and grandchildren.”

This line of messaging comes as Leavitt seeks to shape public perception of her role and credibility amid swirling doubts.

 

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Tense Press Briefing Over “Signal” Leak

Last Wednesday’s press briefing was meant to address the fallout from a national security leak involving senior Trump security officials and an X‑themed private Signal group chat.

The chat, which reportedly detailed U.S. plans to target Houthi rebels in Yemen, accidentally included The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg. Officials allegedly shared operational details—timing of airstrikes and missile launches—within a thread that had contained twenty senior-level participants.

Leavitt opened the briefing by asserting the administration’s narrative. She said, “Speaking of the vice president, I hear he’s going to be speaking any moment now. I would hate to counter‑program the vice president of the United States… You’ll also hear from the president at 3 p.m. honoring Women’s History, and then again at 4 p.m. when he talks about tariffs.”

But after under ten minutes, she exited abruptly, citing other daily events, a move criticized as avoiding accountability. X users were quick to mock her: “Karoline Leavitt got scared and just ran off the stage after getting grilled by reporters about the Signal chat,” one wrote; another observed that she “practically ran out of that press conference after getting hammered by reporters.”

The Leak: Classified or Overblown?

The Atlantic’s reporting included screenshots showing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlining strike details such as F-18 timings, MQ-9 drone activity, and Tomahawk missile trajectories. They also revealed internal debate over the value of action against the Houthis versus political and economic considerations.

 

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Administration officials, including Leavitt, have dismissed the leak as exaggerated. Posting on X, she characterized Goldberg and his magazine as peddlers of “sensationalist spin,” stating flatly that “no ‘war plans’ were discussed” and that the story was a “hoax” by “anti‑Trump hater[s]”. Defense Secretary Hegseth likewise denied that classified information was shared, calling Goldberg a “deceitful and highly discredited … garbage‑peddler”.

Nonetheless, multiple defense and national security experts have argued that the information met standards of classification and was too sensitive to discuss over a commercial messaging app—even if encrypted.

White House Pushback: “Case Is Closed”

When asked if the administration intended to take further action, Leavitt declared the matter “closed.” She claimed the White House had implemented measures to ensure a repeat wouldn’t occur and reiterated that President Trump had full confidence in his national security team. Trump himself labeled media coverage a “witch hunt,” defended his team, and stressed that the leak did not merit dismissal of any officials.

Leavitt’s Defense: Mission Pivot

During the briefing, Leavitt pivoted from the leak controversy to highlight achievements of the administration. She praised Trump’s leadership for reviving U.S. manufacturing, securing foreign investment, and supporting veterans. She also spotlighted initiatives marking Women’s History Month, arguing that the media’s fixation on the leak overshadowed national progress.

Social Media Reaction and Political Heat

While GOP-aligned commentators echoed the White House message, many on X were critical. BBC’s coverage quoted Leavitt calling Goldberg an “anti‑Trump hater” who led a “hoax” campaign. On Reddit, users lambasted Leavitt’s performance as evasive and emblematic of broader administration failings . One commented:

“Karoline is like the court jester … possible quote: ‘Frankly, I find it insulting for you to question my knowledge on national security protocols … Next question.’”

The leak also stirred Democratic calls for investigations. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker and House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries have urged probes into the breach, citing potential violations of national security laws.

What Comes Next

For Leavitt, the episode poses a reputational test. Having defended her age and competence vis‑à‑vis Trump’s encouragement, she now faces pressure to prove she can manage high-stakes, crisis-level communications amid security controversies.

Analysts suggest she will need to balance aggressive defense of her team’s record with more open engagement under press scrutiny—especially if further details of the leak emerge. The administration’s ability to control the narrative, ensure secure communications, and defend its national security posture will reflect on her as spokesperson.

Meanwhile, The Atlantic and other outlets continue to pursue the story. After publishing selected excerpts on March 24, the magazine followed up with even more detailed leaks on March 26, prompting escalating criticism from the White House and calls for accountability.

Bottom Line

Karoline Leavitt’s brief but dramatic press briefing amidst the Yemen “Signal” leak controversy highlights heightened scrutiny of her age and readiness for one of the most demanding roles in the White House. As administration sympathizers echo her defense and many political commentators call for investigations, the spotlight on Leavitt’s capabilities—and the White House’s communication strategy—has only intensified.