In a world where viral stories often spread like wildfire, a touching tale about White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt organizing a fundraiser for her high school janitor recently captured public attention—until it was revealed as an elaborate hoax. The story, which claimed that Leavitt had reconnected with her old janitor and raised over $137,000 to help him buy a new car, secure housing, and cover his medical expenses, was widely circulated on social media. However, after a thorough fact-check, it was uncovered that this heartwarming narrative was completely fabricated, leaving many to question how misinformation spreads so quickly on the internet.

The story first appeared in April 2025, spreading across social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. The narrative claimed that Leavitt, upon learning that a janitor named “Mr. Reynolds” at “Jefferson High School” in Concord, New Hampshire, was still working at 80 years old, organized a fundraiser to raise money for him. The hoax went on to say that the funds were used to buy him a new car, pay for his apartment, and provide him with health insurance, allowing him to visit his grandchildren without financial stress. The post received over 92,000 reactions, further amplifying its reach.

The Truth Behind the Story: What Went Wrong

After a detailed investigation, it became clear that the claims made in the viral post were entirely false. First and foremost, Karoline Leavitt attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, not “Jefferson High School” in Concord, New Hampshire. Furthermore, no high school by the name of “Jefferson High” existed in Concord, New Hampshire. This glaring discrepancy called the story’s credibility into question right from the start.

Additionally, the photo of “Mr. Reynolds” used in the post was an image that had previously appeared in a similar viral hoax about NBA legend Michael Jordan reconnecting with his high school janitor. This suggested that the image was recycled for this new fabricated narrative, further disproving the authenticity of the story.

A White House spokesperson also weighed in, confirming the story’s falsehood. In an email to Snopes, they stated, “That’s fake,” putting an end to any doubts regarding the legitimacy of the claim.

The Role of Social Media in Spreading Misinformation

The viral success of the fake story highlights the dangers of misinformation on social media. Content creators and page managers often produce sensational stories that are designed to attract attention and drive engagement, even when they lack factual accuracy. This particular hoax fits into a broader trend of fabricated narratives about public figures, celebrities, and politicians designed to emotionally engage audiences and generate views for financial gain.

These viral hoaxes are often driven by a desire to increase follower counts or page interactions, which can then be monetized. In this case, the story was shared across multiple platforms, with videos on YouTube and posts on Facebook that used AI-generated scripts, visuals, and voice narrations to spread the narrative. These videos received millions of views, further perpetuating the false claims and contributing to the spread of misinformation.

The Real Karoline Leavitt: A Rising Political Star

While the viral story about Karoline Leavitt organizing a fundraiser for a janitor was false, Leavitt’s actual rise in the political and media landscape is nothing short of impressive. A former communications staffer in the Trump White House, Leavitt is one of the youngest political figures to rise to prominence within the Republican Party. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, but despite her loss in the general election, her campaign helped her transition into a successful media career.

Leavitt’s sharp political commentary and unapologetic approach to her conservative values have made her a sought-after guest on conservative networks like Fox News and Newsmax. Her position as White House Press Secretary further solidifies her place within the Republican establishment, and she has earned praise for her communication skills and her unflinching support of Trump’s policies.

Her real story is one of hard work, dedication, and political savvy, which has made her a respected figure in conservative circles. However, as the viral hoax about the janitor illustrates, public figures like Leavitt are often subjected to fabricated stories designed to manipulate public perception.

The Growing Concern Over Misinformation

The spread of the false Leavitt janitor story is a reminder of the growing problem of misinformation online. As social media platforms become more influential in shaping public discourse, it is increasingly important to approach viral content with skepticism and critical thinking. Stories that sound too good to be true often are, and the Leavitt janitor hoax is just one example of how misinformation can be packaged in a way that appeals to emotions, making it easier for people to accept without questioning its validity.

The ease with which this hoax spread highlights the need for increased media literacy and awareness. It’s crucial for consumers of online content to verify the information they encounter before sharing or reacting to it. This hoax also underscores the importance of fact-checking organizations, like Snopes, which play a vital role in debunking false claims and educating the public on how to discern fact from fiction.

The Need for Accountability in the Digital Age

As the internet becomes an increasingly important source of information, the responsibility of both content creators and consumers to ensure that accurate, reliable content is shared cannot be overstated. While stories like the fabricated Leavitt fundraiser may seem harmless, they have the potential to shape public opinion and influence political discourse, sometimes in ways that are harmful or misleading.

As we continue to navigate the digital age, it’s important for individuals and organizations to prioritize accuracy and truth over sensationalism. The viral spread of false stories like the one about Leavitt is a powerful reminder that not everything shared on social media is trustworthy, and that a critical eye is needed when consuming online content.

Conclusion: The Need for Vigilance Against Misinformation

The fabricated story about Karoline Leavitt organizing a fundraiser for her high school janitor has shed light on the dangers of misinformation and the role social media plays in spreading unverified content. While Leavitt’s real story remains one of dedication to public service and a rising political career, the viral hoax serves as a reminder of the need for responsible media consumption. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for individuals to be more discerning and for content creators to be held accountable for the accuracy of the stories they share.

In a world where sensational content often garners the most attention, it’s important to remember that the truth is not always as exciting as the fabricated tales that get shared online. The spread of misinformation, as seen with the Leavitt janitor hoax, can undermine trust in legitimate sources of news and lead to confusion and misperception. By prioritizing facts over fiction, we can all work to create a more informed and responsible online environment.