In an exclusive March 2025 interview with CBN News, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the youngest ever at 27, opened up about how her Catholic faith shapes her role in the Trump administration. A New Hampshire native, Leavitt’s journey from a failed 2022 congressional run to the White House podium is marked by resilience and a deep reliance on spirituality. “My faith is incredibly important to me, now more than ever,” she told CBN’s David Brody, describing the demands of a job fraught with public scrutiny. She credits her Catholic upbringing and education at Central Catholic High School and Saint Anselm College for instilling discipline, pro-life values, and a commitment to public service.
Leavitt, who wears a cross necklace at briefings, leads her team in prayer before facing the press, seeking “confidence and the ability to articulate.” She views the political arena through a lens of “spiritual warfare,” claiming to have witnessed “evil forces” on the 2024 campaign trail. She pointed to the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, as divine intervention, stating, “The president was saved by the grace of God, and he’s in this moment for a reason.” This aligns with Trump’s own narrative, echoed in his second inaugural address, where he credited God for sparing his life to “make America great again.” Leavitt sees Trump’s policies, like banning biological men from women’s sports and pardoning pro-life protesters, as fueling a “spiritual revival,” particularly among younger generations.
Her political rise began with a 2019 White House internship, followed by roles under Trump’s first-term press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and Rep. Elise Stefanik. Her 2022 congressional campaign, though unsuccessful, won a competitive GOP primary, earning her Steve Bannon’s praise as “tough as boot leather.” As Trump’s 2024 national press secretary, she navigated controversies, including the Butler incident, just days after giving birth to her son, Nicholas. Forgoing extended maternity leave, she returned to work, driven by loyalty to Trump and her faith. “God has a plan,” she said, reflecting on setbacks like her election loss, which she believes led to her current role.
Leavitt’s briefings are combative, often challenging “legacy media” while elevating non-traditional outlets. Her claim that Biden sent $50 million in condoms to Gaza was debunked by USAID, drawing criticism from Rep. Dave Min, who called her a “fake Christian.” Leavitt fired back, defending her faith and Trump’s agenda, which includes a White House Faith Office led by pastor Paula White-Cain. Despite accusations of lying, she insists she speaks truth, though her denial of Trump’s 2020 election loss has stirred controversy. With a steely demeanor and unwavering loyalty, Leavitt embodies Trump’s confrontational style, blending faith and politics in a polarized era.
