Washington, 16 November 2024 (dpa/MIA) - President-elect Donald Trump on Friday named 27-year-old Karoline Leavitt to serve as his White House press secretary.

Leavitt, who previously served as spokeswoman for Trump's campaign, brings experience from her time in the press office during Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021.

Trump, 78, praised her in a statement as "smart," "tough," and a "highly effective communicator."

According to US media reports, Leavitt will be the youngest person to ever hold the prestigious position of White House press secretary.

The role of press secretary is traditionally a high-profile one, responsible for conducting daily press briefings at the White House. However, during Trump's first term, press briefings were infrequent, with several stretches where none were held.

Former press secretary Stephanie Grisham left the role after months without holding a single briefing. Instead, Trump frequently conducted lengthy press conferences or answered questions directly from reporters, often referring to media reporters as "enemies of the people."

Trump's first term in the White House saw four different press secretaries: Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Stephanie Grisham, and Kayleigh McEnany.

Photo: EPA