CONGRATULATIONS: Karoline Leavitt Named One of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Politics — But the Story Behind the Milestone Might Surprise You

When TIME Magazine unveiled its annual list of the 100 most influential people in politics, one name instantly sparked both celebration and debate: Karoline Leavitt. At just 27 years old, the former White House staffer and communications director has become one of the youngest — and most polarizing — figures to ever earn the honor. But behind the glossy headline lies a story of grit, conviction, and a relentless climb through one of America’s toughest political landscapes.

Leavitt’s rise wasn’t paved with privilege or predictable choices. Raised in a working-class family in New Hampshire, she entered politics at a time when young conservatives — especially women — faced intense public scrutiny. Her early work in the Trump White House made her a lightning rod for both admiration and criticism. Yet even her toughest critics have come to acknowledge one thing: Karoline Leavitt doesn’t back down.

Her journey from a small-town newsroom to the national stage began with a simple belief — that communication has power. After earning her degree in politics and journalism, she joined the Trump administration as a press assistant, quickly proving herself with sharp instincts and unfiltered determination. When others played it safe, she leaned into controversy, arguing that authenticity, even when divisive, was better than silence.

But it was her 2022 run for Congress that turned Leavitt from an insider to a household name. At 25, she became the youngest Republican nominee for Congress in U.S. history. Though she ultimately fell short in the general election, her campaign electrified a new generation of conservative voters. Her unapologetic approach to media appearances — fiery, fast-talking, and fiercely loyal — earned her both headlines and haters.

Today, as the national press secretary for Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, Leavitt stands at the epicenter of American politics once again. TIME’s editors cited her “ability to redefine political communication for a digital generation” as a key reason for her inclusion on the list. Indeed, her strategy — combining sharp messaging, viral social media moments, and an unrelenting defense of her party’s platform — has reshaped how campaigns connect with voters online.

But what makes Leavitt’s story truly compelling isn’t just her rise — it’s the resilience beneath it. For every headline celebrating her influence, there’s another questioning her tactics. She’s been called fearless, divisive, and everything in between. And yet, through it all, she’s continued to craft her own narrative, refusing to let others define her.

In a recent interview, Leavitt reflected on the journey that led to her recognition. “Influence isn’t about being liked,” she said. “It’s about standing for something when it’s easier to stay silent. If that makes people uncomfortable — good. That means you’re making an impact.”

Her inclusion on TIME’s list marks more than a personal achievement — it represents a shift in American politics itself. In an era where influence is measured in engagement, not establishment approval, Leavitt embodies a new breed of political communicator: bold, digital-native, and unapologetically ideological.

Love her or loathe her, Karoline Leavitt has proven that influence doesn’t come from conformity — it comes from conviction. And as she continues to shape the conversation heading into one of the most pivotal elections in modern history, one thing is certain: this is only the beginning of her story.