Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has returned to the political spotlight, taking the stage at the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas to serve as a spokeswoman for Donald Trump's campaign. Leavitt, who departed her White House role at the end of August, previously held a spokesperson position with Trump's Super PAC MAGA Inc. before joining his campaign in 2024.
Speaking on the convention's second night, Leavitt delivered strong criticism of Democratic policies, labeling them as 'extreme socialist.' She argued that such platforms would lead to negative economic outcomes for Americans. "We cannot be a wealthy people if we elect extreme liberal socialist Democrats who will raise our rent and taxes, take away our private property, and kill the American dream," Leavitt stated from the convention stage. She further contended that "Democrat socialist countries always end in poverty, in famine, in misery," and that the Republican party would prevent such a fate in the United States.
Leavitt asserted that the economic proposals offered by Democrats, while potentially appealing on paper, would ultimately result in "empty opportunities and broken communities." She recently returned from maternity leave following the birth of her second child, a daughter named Viviana. Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, also have a two-year-old son, Niko.
Leavitt traveled to Dallas with Trump aboard Air Force One and engaged in media appearances prior to her convention speech. Her return to public campaigning follows a period of significant political maneuvering, with prognosticators anticipating Democrats may regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Senate's balance of power remains uncertain, with key races in states like Maine, Ohio, Michigan, and Alaska expected to be decisive.
Among other convention attendees and speakers, Senate Majority Leader John Thune did not receive a speaking slot and faced boos during Trump's address, a situation reportedly linked to Trump's frustration over stalled legislative priorities. While other House and Senate leaders were given speaking opportunities, some candidates in competitive races, including Senators Susan Collins and John E. Sununu, and Representative Ashley Hinson, are reportedly avoiding the main stage. Trump, however, defended Thune from the stage, stating he was "working hard."