The Viral Deception: Was Karoline Leavitt Really 'Miss South Carolina'? Fact-Checking The White House Press Secretary's Pageant Past
The internet is rife with curiosity about Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House Press Secretary in U.S. history, but one particular rumor has eclipsed her political career: the claim that she was a beauty queen, specifically 'Miss South Carolina.' This persistent, viral narrative—often accompanied by a compelling video clip—has driven millions of searches, creating a significant point of confusion between her high-profile role in conservative politics and an alleged past in pageantry. This article, updated on December 22, 2025, cuts through the noise, providing the definitive fact-check on the "Miss South Carolina" claim while detailing the meteoric rise of one of Washington D.C.'s most talked-about political advisors.
The short answer is a definitive 'No.' Karoline Leavitt has never held the title of Miss South Carolina, nor has she participated in the pageant. The viral video that fueled this widespread misconception is a classic example of online misinformation, using a video of a different pageant winner and falsely attributing the speech to the White House official. Her true focus has always been on political communication, beginning her career in the highest echelons of government right after college.
Karoline Leavitt: Complete Political Biography and Profile
Karoline Claire Leavitt has carved out a unique and rapid path in American conservative politics, culminating in her appointment as the White House Press Secretary. Her career trajectory is marked by high-stakes roles and a reputation for being a fierce and unyielding communicator for the Republican party.
- Full Name: Karoline Claire Leavitt
- Date of Birth: August 24, 1998 (Some sources suggest 1997)
- Place of Birth: Atkinson, New Hampshire, U.S.
- Hometown: Atkinson, New Hampshire
- Education: Saint Anselm College (B.A. in Politics and Communication, 2019)
- Spouse: Nicholas Riccio (Married January 2025)
- Key Political Roles:
- White House Press Secretary (2025–Present)
- National Press Secretary for Donald Trump's 2024 Presidential Campaign
- Communications Director for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
- Assistant Press Secretary in the first Trump White House
- 2022 Republican Candidate for New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District
- Distinction: Youngest White House Press Secretary in U.S. history.
The Definitive Fact-Check: Unpacking the 'Miss South Carolina' Hoax
The persistent rumor linking Karoline Leavitt to the Miss South Carolina pageant is a textbook case of how easily context can be stripped from a video to create a compelling, yet entirely false, narrative. The claim gained significant traction on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), leading to a massive spike in searches for "Karoline Leavitt Miss South Carolina" and "Karoline Leavitt pageant speech."
The Real Identity of the Viral Video Star
The video clip frequently circulated online, which purports to show a young Karoline Leavitt giving a passionate speech after winning a pageant, is not her. The individual in the video is actually Catie Upton, who won the title of Miss Teen USA in 2017.
The video, often edited and re-uploaded with misleading captions, features Upton's emotional and widely-shared speech. The false attribution to Leavitt likely stems from a combination of her high-profile status, her age, and a physical resemblance noted by some social media users. Fact-checking organizations have repeatedly debunked the claim, confirming that Leavitt's career path has been exclusively in political communication and advisory roles since her graduation from Saint Anselm College in 2019.
This fabrication is a critical piece of the Karoline Leavitt narrative, as it highlights the intense public and media scrutiny she faces. Her youth and conservative politics make her a lightning rod for both praise and digital misinformation, which is a common challenge for prominent public figures in the current political climate.
Karoline Leavitt's Meteoric Rise in Conservative Politics
Karoline Leavitt’s career is defined by speed, loyalty, and an aggressive communication style. She is a true political prodigy who has moved from an entry-level role to one of the most visible positions in the White House in just a few short years.
From College Graduate to White House Press Secretary
After earning her degree in politics and communication, Leavitt immediately secured a position in the White House during the first Trump administration, serving as an Assistant Press Secretary. This early exposure to high-level political communication set the foundation for her future roles. She quickly became known for her unwavering defense of the administration and her ability to articulate the conservative message with conviction.
Her next major role was as the Communications Director for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a key figure in Republican leadership. This position allowed her to hone her skills in rapid-response media strategy and legislative communication, further cementing her reputation as a rising star in the party.
The Congressional Run and Campaign Leadership
In 2022, Leavitt launched a bid for Congress in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District. Although she was ultimately unsuccessful in the primary, the campaign demonstrated her ambition and ability to mobilize grassroots support. Her decision to decline a subsequent run in 2024 signaled a pivot back to campaign leadership, where she became the National Press Secretary for Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.
It was in this role that she gained national attention for her combative style, frequently engaging in heated exchanges with the media and defending the former president against a barrage of criticism. Her effectiveness as a conservative public figure in this high-pressure environment directly led to her historic appointment as the White House Press Secretary in the second Trump administration, a role she officially assumed in 2025.
Current Controversies and White House Briefings (December 2025)
As the White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt is constantly in the news, and the final months of 2025 have been particularly eventful, showcasing her characteristic approach to media relations.
Fiery Exchanges and Economic Defense
In December 2025, Leavitt made headlines for several high-tension press briefings. She was noted for her staunch defense of the administration's economic policies, including a Dec. 11, 2025, briefing where she highlighted "good news on the state of the economy" and claimed inflation was under control, a statement that drew immediate scrutiny and criticism from political commentators who accused her of "doublethink."
Furthermore, her interactions with the press have often turned confrontational. In one viral moment, she abruptly ended a press briefing after a fiery exchange with reporters, and in another, she sharply criticized a reporter's question, labeling it as "ridiculous." She has also been a vocal defender of President Trump's controversial remarks, stating that the president "calls out fake news when he sees it" after he used a derogatory term for a reporter.
Personal Life and the Age Gap Discussion
Beyond her professional life, Leavitt's personal life has also been a subject of public interest. She married Nicholas Riccio in January 2025, and the couple's 32-year age gap became a talking point in the media. Leavitt publicly addressed the age difference, dismissing the controversy and focusing on their shared commitment and relationship.
Karoline Leavitt's journey is a compelling study in modern political communication. While the "Miss South Carolina" rumor is a fascinating piece of digital folklore, her real story is far more impactful: a conservative political advisor whose rapid ascent and uncompromising style have made her one of the most influential, and controversial, figures in the White House today.
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