MasterClass by Karoline Leavitt

One week and a day after President Trump’s inauguration, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took her place behind the podium in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. There was a lot of anticipation as being press secretary is a tough role, she is the youngest to occupy the role, and President Trump hit the ground running with a flood of executive orders.

So, how did Karoline do? After reading through her opening remarks and then fielding questions without notes, you only have to skim a few posts on X to know she was a resounding success.

Here are the specifics she nailed:

#1 — She maintained eye contact.
Whether listening to a question or responding, Karoline maintained eye contact with the reporter. Doing so proved she is comfortable standing her ground, and she’s able to respond without first referencing a binder. Her grasp of the President’s vision was evident, and her ability to support it was powerful. Eye contact signals confidence and competence.

#2 — She kept her composure.
Not every reporter she called on was “friendly.” But instead of showing anger or frustration when a reporter asked an accusatory question she disagreed with, she gave a subtle smile and responded when they were done. Composure signals honesty and transparency.

#3 — She was smooth.
There were very few filler words (if any?) and very few stumbles. Karoline was able to seamlessly recall information and deliver it without unnecessary words. This skill results from working with the press daily and putting herself in the hot seat over the past few months/years as she worked on the Trump campaign and the first Trump administration. No preparation is as good as daily reps, and her performance today is proof.

Any minor stylistic advice would be to lower her volume, as she sounded a bit intense, and to avoid repeat follow-up questions, as reporters could get a few jabs in as she tried to move on to the next. But she also has four years to refine those areas.