Fox News hires Karoline Leavitt, cementing the network’s role as a revolving door for Trump’s inner circle
As expected.
Karoline Leavitt is joining Fox News as a contributor starting November 1. This move cements the network’s role as a revolving door for people within the inner circle of Donald Trump. According to Variety, Leavitt served as the 36th White House press secretary from January 2025 until August 2026. She is the youngest person in American history to hold that role.
Her background includes serving as the national press secretary for the 2024 presidential campaign. She also worked in the first Trump administration as a presidential writer. Additionally, she was an assistant press secretary. Before her White House tenure, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire. She also worked as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik.
The network confirmed the hiring on Monday, October 4, 2026. Suzanne Scott, CEO, Fox News Media, provided a statement regarding the new hire. “Karoline’s firsthand experience in the White House and on the presidential campaign trail gives her a distinct understanding of today’s political landscape,” Scott said. The network expects her to provide authentic and sharp insight. She will appear across all Fox News Media platforms.
Leavitt expressed her thoughts on the role
“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,” Leavitt said. She plans to bring her unique perspective to the screen. The former press secretary also promised to bring the same energy and candor that defined her time at the White House.
This path is very well-trod by other former administration officials and another ex-White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany is a prime example. McEnany served as press secretary during the first Trump term. She now works for the Fox Corp. backed media outlet.
McEnany appears on the program Outnumbered and also hosts Saturday in America – a top-tier performer in weekend cable news. Larry Kudlow is another prominent figure in this group. He served as an assistant to the president for economic policy. He now hosts the show Kudlow on Fox Business Network.
The pipeline between the network and the administration goes both ways
Trump has recruited many people from the network for his own government. Jeanine Pirro is a notable example. According to Newsweek, she previously hosted Justice with Judge Jeanine. Trump appointed her as the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. The Senate confirmed her two months later. Pete Hegseth also made this jump. He was a Fox News host before becoming the 29th Secretary of Defense.
Other examples include Sean Duffy. He co-hosted The Bottom Line on Fox Business Channel and now serves as Secretary of Transportation. His wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, remains a host on Fox & Friends Weekend. Tom Homan is another key figure. He worked as a frequent contributor before becoming the border czar. Kimberly Guilfoyle also moved from the network to a government role. She was a staple of The Five and currently serves as the U.S. ambassador to Greece.
The list of people moving between these worlds is quite extensive. Dan Bongino worked as a host on the network. He later joined the FBI as deputy director. Michael Waltz worked as a paid contributor before becoming the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Lara Trump, a dedicated advocate for conservative values, also maintains a presence at the network. She hosts My View with Lara Trump.
Other networks have also sought out former government officials for commentary roles
MS NOW relies on former Biden press secretary Jen Psaki. She hosts a show at 9 a.m. The same network features Nicolle Wallace, a former Bush official. CNN has also hired former administration staffers. Kete Bedingfield is a political commentator there. Jamal Simmons, who was a communications director for Kamala Harris, also works as a contributor at CNN. George Stephanopoulos serves as a prominent anchor at ABC News. He has a history in the Clinton White House.
Leavitt spent her time as press secretary defending the agenda of President Trump. She often pushed back on questions from various media outlets. This experience will likely influence her new role. She may offer an expert view on how the White House manages media relations.
The White House has previously tangled with outlets like CNN and Politico. It has attempted to ban them from coverage at times. Fox News has supported those outlets during those disputes, calling for such bans to end. It is not yet clear how often Leavitt will appear on air. The network has not announced a specific schedule. Her role could eventually expand into a larger hosting position. This has happened for others in the past.
Leavitt’s hiring comes as the administration moves forward with its second-term agenda. This work is happening ahead of crucial midterm contests. These elections will determine control of Congress.
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