Full Breakdown
Karoline Leavitt Moves from the White House to Fox News as On-Air Contributor
By Drooid · · How we work
Leavitt’s Transition to Fox News
Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will begin a new role as an on-air contributor for Fox News on Nov. 1. The network announced she will appear across news and opinion programming, providing political commentary and analysis. Leavitt left the Trump administration in Aug. 2026 after serving as the 36th press secretary from Jan. 2025 to Aug. 2026.
Background: Trump Administration and Fox News Ties
President Donald Trump’s second term featured a flow of personnel between his administration and Fox News. Cabinet posts were filled by former Fox personalities such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Leavitt interned at Fox News during the 2016 election and later joined the network after her White House tenure, following a path taken by former Trump press secretaries Kayleigh McEnany and others.
Timeline
- July 15, 2025 – President Trump and Press Secretary Leavitt address the media during the president’s departure from the White House.
- April 27, 2026 – Leavitt conducts her final press briefing before maternity leave.
- May 1, 2026 – Leavitt gives birth to her daughter Viviana.
- Aug. 2026 – Leavitt resigns to spend more time with her two young children.
- Sept. 17, 2026 – Leavitt appears on Sean Hannity’s show, hinting at a future television role.
- Nov. 1, 2026 (scheduled) – Leavitt starts as a Fox News contributor.
Official Statements & Responses
Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said Leavitt’s White House experience equips her with a distinctive perspective on today’s political landscape and that the network looks forward to her delivering “authentic and sharp insight.” Leavitt issued a statement expressing gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to bring the same energy and candor that defined her tenure. President Trump, in a post announcing her departure, described Leavitt as one of his top outside advisors and an influential voice for the Republican Party heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Karoline’s firsthand experience in the White House and on the presidential campaign trail gives her a distinct understanding of today’s political landscape,” — Suzanne Scott, news media CEO
- “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue appearing on Fox News Channel as an official member of the extraordinary team at Fox News Media,” — Karoline Leavitt
- “How does it sound, The Briefing With Karoline Leavitt? How do you like the sound of that?” — Sean Hannity
Impact and Outlook
Leavitt’s move reinforces the revolving-door relationship between the Trump administration and Fox News, adding a former White House spokesperson to the network’s lineup. Her presence is expected to bolster Fox’s coverage of Republican politics as the party prepares for the 2026 midterm elections. The transition also highlights the challenges senior officials face in balancing public-service roles with family responsibilities, a theme Leavitt emphasized in her resignation remarks.