White House Press Secretary Doubts Her Own Readiness

Karoline Leavitt, the White House’s youngest-ever press secretary, reportedly harbors doubts about her qualifications for a potential future role as chief of staff, according to a recent profile in Politico. Despite her rapid ascent from the White House mailroom to a prominent communications position at age 27, Leavitt has privately expressed concerns about taking on the responsibilities of chief of staff, a source familiar with her thinking told Politico’s Adam Wren.

The profile details Leavitt’s unlikely path to the White House, highlighting her background as a staunch supporter of Donald Trump and her unsuccessful 2022 congressional bid in New Hampshire. Despite losing by eight percentage points, Leavitt viewed the campaign as invaluable experience, stating she was eager to see what the future held.

Notably, former Trump advisor Steve Bannon predicts Leavitt is destined for a Cabinet position, potentially even chief of staff, after a year or two as press secretary. However, Leavitt’s own assessment of her readiness suggests a degree of caution, or perhaps realism, about such a swift trajectory.

The article draws parallels to previous young White House chiefs of staff, including James Jones, who served under Lyndon Johnson at age 28 (then titled “White House Appointments Secretary”), and Dick Cheney, who held the position for Gerald Ford at age 34.

President Trump, according to the report, consistently reassures Leavitt about her 2022 congressional loss, telling her, “They cheated you out of it,” and adding, “I’m so glad they cheated you out of the election, because now you’re with me.” This demonstrates the strong loyalty Trump feels towards Leavitt and suggests he views her as a valuable asset.

While Leavitt’s “grit” and ambition are clearly driving forces in her career, her reported self-awareness regarding her qualifications is a refreshing contrast to the often-unbridled confidence seen in Washington. It remains to be seen whether she will ultimately pursue, or be offered, the role of chief of staff, but her current perspective suggests she is approaching her future with a level of considered judgment. The article paints a picture of a rising political star who, despite her youth and rapid success, isn’t afraid to acknowledge potential limitations – a quality that could serve her well in the long run.