Karoline Leavitt has gained another nickname from supporters following a tense exchange with Michael Strahan of Good Morning America. During an interview, Strahan questioned Leavitt about President Donald Trump’s decision to require federal employees to return to their offices, raising concerns that highly qualified doctors and scientists might leave their positions.
Leavitt responded by arguing that many doctors and other professionals already have to work in person. Her confident response quickly spread across social media, where supporters praised her performance and began calling her the “grim reaper” of news anchors. A video of the exchange reportedly received millions of views, with some users describing Leavitt as a “stone-cold killer” during interviews.
The 27-year-old press secretary has rapidly built a strong following among Trump supporters. During her first White House press briefing, she announced changes that would give influencers, bloggers, podcasters, and other new-media organizations opportunities to apply for press credentials. She emphasized that legitimate journalism should not be limited to traditional media platforms.
Leavitt has also become known for her confrontational exchanges with journalists. She previously went viral after criticizing CNN debate moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, while another interview ended after CNN anchor Kasie Hunt cut off her microphone. Despite criticism that her aggressive campaign style needed to change after Trump returned to office, her supporters argue that she continues to handle difficult situations effectively.
Leavitt defended Trump’s return-to-office policy by saying that office work can improve productivity and efficiency. She argued that taxpayers deserve federal employees who are actively working on their behalf and criticized the government for spending millions on largely empty office buildings. Trump also offered federal workers a buyout allowing them to remain employed with full pay and benefits until September if they agreed to resign by February 6.