Tony Dokoupil’s Advice to Karoline Leavitt: A Mentor’s Guidance for a Rising Star in Trumpworld

When two powerful women come together—each with their own impressive background in the media and political worlds—there’s often more than just a shared bond. In the case of former White House press secretary Dana Perino and the newly appointed Trump press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, their meeting has sparked conversation across the media. Perino, who served as George W. Bush’s press secretary, is a seasoned political figure with a wealth of experience. Leavitt, on the other hand, is just beginning her journey as a press secretary but has already made a name for herself as one of the sharpest and most outspoken voices in the Trump administration.

A Glowing Endorsement for Karoline Leavitt

Dana Perino, who is now co-hosting Fox News’ The Five and has long been recognized as a fierce voice in conservative media, has given Leavitt a glowing endorsement, stating that the 26-year-old has an “exceedingly bright future.” Perino was quick to emphasize that Leavitt’s qualities go beyond just her sharp wit and political savvy. She noted that Leavitt has a unique blend of humor and humility, making her an approachable yet fierce communicator.

“She’s funny, she’s self-deprecating, she’s a fierce loyalist, and you probably want her on your side,” Perino said, clearly recognizing the qualities that have made Leavitt one of the rising stars within the Trump administration. To be a press secretary is to be the face and voice of a powerful political figure, constantly under public scrutiny and rarely afforded the luxury of making mistakes. The role requires not only a keen understanding of policy and media but also the ability to navigate difficult situations and maintain composure under immense pressure. Leavitt has shown that she possesses these qualities and more.

In addition to her praise, Perino also acknowledged that Leavitt’s presence and sharp communication skills have caught the attention of both her supporters and critics. Leavitt’s ability to remain steadfast, even in the face of intense media scrutiny, has made her an influential voice in the conservative movement. But as with any rising star, the path to success is often accompanied by challenges, and Perino’s guidance is invaluable in helping Leavitt navigate those obstacles.

“What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas”

While Perino has openly admired Leavitt’s abilities and future potential, she has also made it clear that some of the advice she has passed on remains private. “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” Perino quipped when asked about her behind-the-scenes conversations with Leavitt. This lighthearted response speaks to the nature of their discussions—informal, candid, and aimed at helping Leavitt thrive in an often cutthroat and unpredictable environment.

In some ways, Perino’s decision to keep their private conversations off the record reflects the complexities of being a mentor in such a high-profile and high-stakes world. As a former press secretary, Perino understands the pressures that Leavitt faces. Offering guidance and advice in private allows Perino to be a trusted mentor, offering insights that can help Leavitt refine her approach while maintaining the confidentiality necessary for their relationship to thrive.

Even without revealing specific advice, Perino’s words speak volumes about her confidence in Leavitt’s abilities and potential. The media landscape has changed drastically since Perino was in office, and Leavitt is operating in a far more fast-paced, digital, and social media-driven environment. The challenges she faces are unique, but so too are the opportunities. The wisdom Perino has to offer is undoubtedly invaluable as Leavitt navigates the complex world of media relations and political communications.

The Press Secretary Role: Pressures, Social Media, and Modern Challenges

One of the key aspects that Perino has emphasized when discussing Leavitt’s rise within the Trump administration is the immense pressure that comes with being a press secretary. Perino, who served under President George W. Bush from 2007 to 2009, reflected on how much the media landscape has changed since her time in the White House. “In January 2009 when I left the White House, I didn’t have a Twitter account,” she remarked. This simple statement reveals just how much the job has evolved in the past decade, as social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become central to the political discourse.

For Leavitt, this presents both advantages and challenges. On the one hand, social media allows her to communicate directly with the public, bypassing traditional media channels and giving her a greater sense of control over the narrative. But on the other hand, the speed at which information spreads and the constant scrutiny of every tweet and statement make it an exhausting and high-stakes position. The scrutiny that press secretaries face today is unlike anything Perino had to contend with, and it’s clear that Leavitt’s ability to manage this aspect of the role is a testament to her resilience and skill.

In addition to navigating the digital world, the press secretary role requires an innate understanding of how to balance the demands of the president and the media while remaining a credible and respected figure. Perino has often spoken about how challenging it was to manage these competing interests, but she has also praised Leavitt for her ability to stay composed and effective in the face of criticism. This skill is critical, especially in the era of 24/7 news cycles and social media-driven narratives.

Leavitt’s Rising Influence: A Generation of New Political Power

At just 26 years old, Karoline Leavitt’s rise as a press secretary in the Trump administration is remarkable. She is part of a new generation of political leaders who are not only highly active on social media but are also navigating the ever-changing landscape of modern media and communications. Leavitt’s ability to stand out as a forceful, confident, and articulate spokesperson speaks to the growing influence of younger voices in political media.

Perino’s praise for Leavitt is also a recognition of her loyalty to Trump and her unwavering commitment to the principles she believes in. Leavitt’s role as a press secretary is not simply about managing the president’s image; it’s about representing a broader movement and engaging with the media in a way that reflects her values. This is a stark contrast to the traditional political figures who may have been more reserved in their approach. Leavitt’s directness and willingness to confront challenges head-on make her a standout figure, and it’s clear that she has garnered significant respect from influential figures like Perino.

Perino’s words of advice are not just about managing the job of press secretary but about understanding the larger role that these political figures play in shaping the national discourse. “She’s got that smile—and that edge,” Perino said, acknowledging Leavitt’s unique ability to balance professionalism with personality. As the political world continues to evolve, it’s clear that Leavitt’s voice will play a significant role in shaping the future of conservative politics.

A Glimpse into Perino’s Upcoming Book: Lessons from a Career in the Spotlight

Dana Perino’s upcoming book, I Wish Someone Had Told Me…, offers more insights into her career and the lessons she has learned along the way. The book is filled with life and career lessons from Fox News personalities like Jesse Watters, Greg Gutfeld, Jeanine Pirro, and Bret Baier. The book, which is set to be released on April 22, 2025, promises to offer invaluable advice to those navigating high-pressure careers, including those in the political and media industries.

In the book, Perino shares wisdom that can help anyone—whether they’re just starting out or looking to navigate the complex world of political media. For Leavitt, Perino’s words are not just valuable in terms of job advice but also for personal development as she continues to shape her career and legacy within Trumpworld.

Conclusion: The Future of Karoline Leavitt

As Karoline Leavitt continues to rise in prominence, it’s clear that she has a promising future ahead of her. The guidance from someone like Dana Perino—who has seen the highs and lows of political media—will undoubtedly help Leavitt refine her approach and navigate the complexities of the role. Perino’s advice, even if kept off the record, is likely to be instrumental in shaping Leavitt’s future in the public eye.

The support from Perino, combined with Leavitt’s natural talent and fierce determination, indicates that she could very well be a key figure in the future of the Republican Party and conservative media. As she continues to balance the demands of her job with the scrutiny that comes with being a prominent political figure, Leavitt’s ability to stay focused, self-assured, and true to her values will be what sets her apart.

In the world of political media, where the pressure is unrelenting and the stakes are high, it’s clear that Karoline Leavitt has what it takes to succeed. With Dana Perino as a mentor and a glowing endorsement of her abilities, the future looks exceedingly bright for the young press secretary. The world is watching as she steps into a role that will undoubtedly shape her career and leave a lasting impact on the political landscape.