White House Press Secretary

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White House Press Secretary
Official website:Office website

The White House Press Secretary is the primary spokesperson for the White House.[1] As of March 2025, the White House press secretary is Karoline Leavitt.

History

The position of White House Press Secretary was formally established in 1929 during the administration of President Herbert Hoover, with George Akerson appointed as the first official holder of the title.[2] Prior to this, presidential communication with the press was managed by secretaries or aides. According to the National Archives, the role was created in response to the growing influence of mass media and the increasing demand for regular, structured communication between the presidency and the public.[3] The press secretary became responsible for conveying the president’s messages, managing press briefings, and serving as a liaison between the executive branch and the news media.[3] Over time, the position evolved alongside changes in media, technology, and political communication. The introduction of radio, television, and later digital platforms expanded the visibility and scope of the press secretary’s duties. The role has been held by individuals from varied professional backgrounds, including journalism, law, and political strategy.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many Notable developments include the establishment of the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in the West Wing and the increasing frequency of televised briefings.[4]


Past leadership

As of March 2025, Karoline Leavitt was the White House Press Secretary.

*James Brady did not brief the press following his paralysis from a 1981 assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan.


See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ For Dummies, "What Is the Role of the White House Press Secretary," accessed April 7, 2014
  2. ↑ Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, "George Akerson Named First White House Press Secretary," accessed September 15, 2025
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 National archives, "Standing In for the President," Summer 1999, Vol. 31, No. 2
  4. ↑ White House Museum, "Brady Press Briefing Room," accessed April 7, 2014
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