Karoline Leavitt trades White House podium for tough campaign talk as she unleashes on ‘extreme socialist’ Democrats
Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down as White House press secretary at the end of August 2026, made a high-profile return to the political stage on 10 September at the first-ever Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, appearing this time as a spokeswoman for Donald Trump's re-election campaign. In her speech she delivered a sharp attack on Democrats, warning that electing "extreme liberal socialist" candidates would raise rents and taxes, erode private property rights and damage the American economy, framing the message around the party's economic record ahead of the midterms.
Leavitt left the White House shortly after returning from maternity leave following the birth of her daughter Viviana, and has since rejoined Trump's Super PAC, MAGA Inc. The convention itself was marked by tension, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune denied a speaking slot and booed during Trump's earlier address, while several vulnerable Republican candidates, including Susan Collins, Ashley Hinson and John Sununu, avoided the main stage. Trump's arrival in Dallas was also delayed after his Air Force One deployed an emergency evacuation slide, though he insisted the aircraft was safe to fly. Analysts expect a tough midterm battle, with Democrats favoured to retake the House while Senate control hinges on close races in states including Maine, Ohio, Michigan and Alaska.
In short
- Leavitt returns as Trump campaign spokeswoman, attacks Democrats at Dallas convention
- Senate leader Thune snubbed and booed; some candidates skipped main stage
- Air Force One incident delayed Trump's arrival; midterms expected to be tight
Explained simply
The US president is elected separately from Congress, which has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term, and voters choose every member of the House and a portion of the Senate.
The Republican and Democratic parties compete for control of Congress, which can affect whether a president can pass laws and approve spending. Campaigns often focus on the economy and on how each party’s policies might affect people’s costs, taxes and rights.
Karoline Leavitt served as White House press secretary, the official who communicates with reporters on behalf of the president and administration. She is a Republican political spokeswoman, and Donald Trump is the Republican president seeking re-election.