Boston, Mass. — Karoline Leavitt, who served as press secretary for former President Donald Trump, recently made remarks highlighting Trump’s perceived respect for women in a podcast appearance that has stirred considerable discussion online. Speaking on Sean Hannity’s podcast on September 22, Leavitt suggested that Trump not only values women’s input but may also listen to them more attentively than to their male counterparts.
In the same episode, Leavitt recounted instances where journalists privately expressed regret for posing questions during press briefings. Though she did not disclose specific journalists or media organizations, she relayed that some reporters felt compelled to ask certain questions due to pressure from their superiors, describing the dynamic as challenging.
Leavitt characterized the atmosphere in the White House briefing room as having a “performative aspect.” She emphasized that this is true for both the press and the officials, with journalists often responding to directives from their employers. Among her comments, she praised CBS’s leadership for showing recent improvement in their reporting practices, acknowledging that she seeks neither constant praise nor criticism but rather a commitment to fairness and accuracy in news coverage.
Hannity framed the discussion by suggesting that previous press secretaries had less freedom to confront journalists directly. Leavitt, however, contended that her approach was inspired by Trump himself. She described her role as reflective of the president’s style, stating, “I’m sort of emulating what he does,” suggesting that her methods were an extension of his communication style.
Her tenure at the podium was marked by significant moments, which Leavitt claims Trump appreciated. She described him as a supportive and uplifting boss, noting that he genuinely enjoys watching others succeed and often provides new opportunities to his staff. Leavitt highlighted several women in prominent roles during Trump’s presidency, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and former press secretaries Kellyanne Conway and Sarah Huckabee Sanders, positioning them as examples of his support for women in leadership.
However, her statements have prompted backlash, particularly from critics who referenced Trump’s long history of controversial remarks about women. Following the podcast, critics revived past incidents, including the 2005 “Access Hollywood” recording, which has continued to fuel debates about Trump’s treatment of women. The discussion surrounding Leavitt’s remarks polarized opinions, with social media actively reflecting divergent viewpoints.
A report from Jezebel pointed out that Leavitt did not mention various high-profile women who were let go during Trump’s second administration. Critics noted this omission while acknowledging her assertion that Trump actively sought women’s opinions in male-dominated spaces.
At just 29 years old, Leavitt became the youngest press secretary in U.S. history when she assumed the role in January 2025. She departed from the position in late August 2026 but confirmed that Trump was supportive of her decision to move on to an advisory role outside of the press office.
Throughout her term, Leavitt became known for her confrontational style, which drew the attention of cable news outlets and stirred discussion on social media. She contended that her confrontational approach was not merely a personal brand but rather a reflection of the communication style encouraged by Trump. By engaging in sharp exchanges with journalists, Leavitt aimed to capture the essence of the job, depicting the relationship between the press and the White House, as heavily influenced by the president’s style and expectations. Her trajectory from a campaign spokeswoman to press secretary illustrates a unique path in the often tumultuous landscape of political communications.