President Donald Trump may have had someone else in mind for the White House press secretary role before officially appointing Karoline Leavitt, according to revelations from a new book.
Before 27-year-old Leavitt took the podium as the youngest-ever White House press secretary, Trump reportedly considered far-right commentator Laura Loomer for the high-profile position.
The claim comes from 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, a book by journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf, which details Trump’s road back to the presidency. According to the Daily Mail, the former president seriously entertained the idea of naming Loomer—known for her inflammatory rhetoric and conspiracy theories—as his press secretary.
“Many of Trump’s advisers viewed Loomer as too-conspiracy-minded and pugilistic, but he liked her,” the book claims. At one point, Trump allegedly asked, “Is she too fringe to be press secretary?”
Ultimately, Trump’s advisers persuaded him to appoint Leavitt instead—who had already served as his national press secretary during the 2024 campaign.
While Loomer wasn’t formally offered a position in the administration, she continued to appear at Trump events “as a guest.” However, her presence has stirred controversy. Known for her offensive statements, Loomer once posted a vile “good riddance” comment following the death of a Democratic congresswoman and drew backlash for racist remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris.
During Harris’ presidential run, Loomer infamously said if Harris won, “the White House will smell like curry & speeches will be facilitated via a call center.” Trump publicly disagreed with her at the time, though he didn’t specify which comments he disavowed.
Despite the tension, Trump has maintained a working relationship with Loomer, referring to her as “a very good patriot and a very strong person.” Following a security scandal involving White House officials, Loomer claimed to have recommended firings to Trump directly—something the president denied, while still acknowledging that he listens to her suggestions.
“She’s usually very constructive. She recommended certain people for jobs,” Trump said.
Who Is Karoline Leavitt?
Karoline Leavitt made history as the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary at age 27. Raised Catholic in Atkinson, New Hampshire, she attended Saint Anselm College, where she started the school’s first broadcasting club and interned at Fox News. She previously served under Kayleigh McEnany as assistant press secretary and ran for Congress in 2022.
Leavitt is married to entrepreneur Nicholas Riccio, 59, and gave birth to their first son, Niko, in July 2024—returning to work for Trump just days later. She gained national attention in June 2024 after her microphone was cut off during a CNN interview for criticizing debate moderators Dana Bash and Jake Tapper.
Trump announced her appointment in November 2024, calling her “smart, tough, and a highly effective communicator.”
“I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium and help deliver our message to the American people,” he said in a statement.
The Trump administration has not commented publicly on the reported Loomer consideration.
