In a striking interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network on April 1, 2025, Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary in history at just 27 years old, articulated her belief in a spiritual battle surrounding Donald Trump’s presidency. She claimed that "evil forces" were actively working against him during his 2024 presidential campaign, a sentiment that resonates with the evangelical base that has strongly supported Trump.
Leavitt, who has quickly become a polarizing figure in the media landscape, described her experiences on the campaign trail, stating, "I certainly believe in spiritual warfare. And I think I saw it firsthand, especially throughout the campaign trail with President Trump. And I think there certainly were evil forces." This belief was further underscored by her assertion that Trump was "saved by the grace of God" during an assassination attempt on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear, killing one and injuring two others.
During her tenure as press secretary, Leavitt has developed a reputation for her confrontational style with the press, particularly with left-leaning outlets. She noted that the media had to reflect on their roles after Trump’s electoral success, stating, "The American public sent a very strong message to the anti-Trump media that we don’t listen to you." Her approach has garnered a loyal following among Trump supporters, who appreciate her directness and willingness to challenge established media narratives.
In addition to her media strategies, Leavitt has openly discussed the personal challenges of balancing her demanding job with motherhood. She expressed feelings of guilt about being away from her eight-month-old son, Niko, while fulfilling her responsibilities at the White House. "Saying no when you have to say no to take care of your family is something I’ve had to learn the hard way in a very short amount of time. I try to make it home for bedtime during the week," she explained.
Leavitt’s background includes a Catholic upbringing and a successful athletic career, having earned a softball scholarship to attend Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. This foundation, she believes, has shaped her conservative values and her approach to life and work. "God knew what he was doing, I believe, and you just have to trust the process and trust that he’s working in your life," she remarked, emphasizing the importance of faith in her life.
Trump’s recent claims of a divine mission have also played a significant role in shaping the narrative around his administration. Following the assassination attempt, Trump stated that the experience made him "more of a believer," reinforcing his connection with evangelical Christians. He has since committed to eradicating anti-Christian bias through a new task force, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, aimed at protecting the rights of Christians across the nation.
However, this emphasis on spirituality and faith has raised eyebrows among some Democrats and critics, who argue that it blurs the lines between church and state. They worry that the administration’s focus on religious issues could marginalize non-Christian groups and create a theocratic environment.
Leavitt's rhetoric mirrors the sentiments of Trump’s inner circle, which includes figures connected to the New Apostolic Reformation, a movement advocating for a government aligned with Christian values. This alignment has been interpreted by some as an attempt to establish a Christian governance model in the United States.
Despite the controversy, Leavitt remains steadfast in her beliefs and her role. She holds a prayer session before each press briefing to seek strength and clarity, stating, "My faith is incredibly important to me. I would argue, now more than ever, being in a role that is very demanding and at times controversial, and there’s a lot of public pressure and discussion online about who you are and your family." Her faith, she insists, is what enables her to navigate the challenges of her position.
Leavitt’s personal narrative is also intertwined with her political journey. After losing a bid for a U.S. House seat in New Hampshire’s 1st district in 2022, she believes that her current role as press secretary was part of a divine plan. "God had a plan when I lost the election," she reflected, suggesting that her path was redirected for a greater purpose.
Among the policies she champions, the Laken Riley Act stands out as particularly significant to her. This legislation mandates that ICE detain migrants charged with theft-related crimes, inspired by the tragic murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley by a Venezuelan migrant who had previously been arrested for theft. Leavitt expressed deep empathy for the victims’ families, stating, "As a mother myself, I cannot imagine anything like that happening, especially at the hands of someone who should have never been in the country in the first place."
As Leavitt continues to navigate the complexities of her role, her blend of personal conviction and public duty remains a focal point of her tenure. Her belief in spiritual warfare, coupled with her commitment to Trump’s agenda, positions her as a significant figure in the current political landscape, embodying the intersection of faith and politics in America today.
