A touching story about Karoline Leavitt’s surprise fundraiser for a high school janitor went viral—but it’s all a hoax. While the heartwarming tale of generosity captured the public’s attention, the truth behind it will leave you speechless. What’s the real story, and how did this fabricated narrative spread so quickly? Find out how misinformation is shaping public perception, and what this viral hoax reveals about the dangers of social media.

Karoline Leavitt’s Surprise Fundraiser for High School Janitor: A Viral Hoax Uncovered

In a world where heartwarming stories often go viral, a recent tale circulating across social media of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s unexpected kindness has captured widespread attention—but unfortunately, it’s entirely fabricated. The story, which surfaced in early 2025, claimed that Leavitt had reconnected with her old high school janitor and organized a fundraiser to help him purchase a new car, secure housing, and cover his medical expenses. The narrative went viral, with many believing it was true, but subsequent fact-checking revealed it was a hoax designed to drive social media engagement.

The story, initially shared by a Facebook page called Animals & Pets, stated that Leavitt had helped Mr. Reynolds, a janitor at “Jefferson High School” in Concord, New Hampshire, after learning he was still working at 80 years old. The story claimed Leavitt raised over $137,000 to buy him a new car, secure a fully paid apartment, and cover his health insurance, all while enabling him to visit his grandchildren without financial worry. The post quickly gained traction, receiving over 92,000 reactions, and led to widespread social media discussions.

The Falsehood Behind the Story

After a thorough investigation, it became clear that the story was false. The claim that Leavitt had attended “Jefferson High School” in Concord, New Hampshire, was quickly debunked. In fact, Leavitt attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Further research revealed that no school by the name of “Jefferson High” existed in Concord, and the photo of “Mr. Reynolds” used in the post was, in fact, an image previously circulated in a completely unrelated viral story about NBA legend Michael Jordan and his high school janitor.

A search through major news outlets and conservative blogs found no credible reporting on the event, and a White House spokesperson directly refuted the claims, telling Snopes, “That’s fake.” The story’s widespread spread and the engagement it garnered highlight the ease with which misinformation can capture public attention on platforms designed to prioritize sensational content over truth.

The Role of Social Media in Spreading Misinformation

The viral story of Karoline Leavitt’s alleged fundraising for her high school janitor is part of a larger trend in which fabricated narratives, often involving public figures like celebrities, politicians, or athletes, dominate social media. These stories tend to be uplifting, designed to capture hearts and fuel positive online sentiment, but they often lack any basis in truth. Behind these stories lies a monetization strategy—many of the pages and videos generating these hoaxes aim to gain followers and views, which can later be sold for profit or used for advertising revenue.

This phenomenon is a reminder of the responsibility each of us has when engaging with online content. False narratives can spread rapidly, leaving confusion in their wake. The Leavitt janitor story also raises questions about the increasing role social media plays in shaping public perception, especially when misinformation has the power to influence attitudes and decisions.

The Real Karoline Leavitt: A Rising Political Star

While the story of the fundraiser may be fake, Karoline Leavitt’s real story is one of ambition and political success. A former communications staffer in the Trump White House, Leavitt has built a name for herself as a formidable political figure. Her journey into the media spotlight included a bid for Congress in New Hampshire, where she ran in 2022. Despite not winning, Leavitt’s political platform helped launch her media career, where she became a frequent guest on conservative networks like Fox News and Newsmax.

Leavitt’s rise to prominence is rooted in her unapologetic conservative views and her commitment to advocating for policies that align with her values. However, like many public figures, she now finds herself the subject of viral rumors and misinformation. The false janitor story is just one example of how public figures can be caught in a web of fabricated content, but Leavitt’s real accomplishments and positions remain solidly grounded in her work.

Lessons from the Hoax: Media Literacy and Misinformation

The viral spread of the fake Leavitt janitor story highlights the importance of media literacy in today’s digital age. As social media platforms grow increasingly influential, consumers of news and entertainment must exercise critical thinking before sharing or believing sensational content. This hoax serves as a reminder to verify the facts and challenge unverified claims that may contribute to the spread of false information.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial that both consumers and content creators work to ensure that accuracy is prioritized over engagement. Stories that tug at the heartstrings or promise inspiring outcomes can be powerful tools for spreading positive messages—but when they lack factual support, they undermine public trust and dilute the credibility of legitimate sources.

Conclusion

The story of Karoline Leavitt’s fundraising for a high school janitor may have captivated the internet, but its reality is far from the heartwarming narrative that was shared across social media. The falsehood behind this viral hoax highlights the need for careful scrutiny of the content we engage with online. As for Leavitt, her real story is one of hard work, dedication, and political involvement—traits that continue to define her as she makes her mark in the media world. The public’s growing awareness of misinformation will hopefully encourage more responsible consumption and dissemination of content in the future.