Fact Check: Karoline Leavitt Did Not Organize Fundraiser for High School Janitor

A rumor circulating online in early 2025 claimed that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reconnected with and organized a fundraiser for an elderly janitor from her old high school. This story, which spread across social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube, was widely shared by users and featured in posts with sensational headlines such as, “Karoline Leavitt Discovers Her Old High School Janitor Still Working at 80—And Her Next Move Leaves the Entire Town Stunned!”

The post, originally made on April 25, 2025, by a Facebook page named Animals & Pets, suggested that Leavitt had raised over $137,000 to help a janitor named “Mr. Reynolds” from “Jefferson High School” in Concord, New Hampshire. According to the claim, the funds were used to purchase him a new car, cover his apartment rent, secure health insurance, and allow him to visit his grandchildren without worrying about financial concerns. The story quickly went viral, amassing over 92,000 reactions and fueling an online debate about Leavitt’s generosity.

However, after an extensive investigation, it was revealed that the claims in the post were entirely fabricated.

The Truth Behind the Story

Multiple fact-checking efforts found no credible media outlets or conservative political blogs reporting on the event, nor any official statements from the White House confirming the story. In fact, a White House spokesperson directly debunked the rumor, telling Snopes in an email, “That’s fake.”

Additionally, a closer look at the supposed details of the story exposed several inconsistencies. First, Karoline Leavitt attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, not “Jefferson High School” in Concord, New Hampshire, as the story claimed. A search for a “Jefferson High” in Concord yielded no results, further casting doubt on the accuracy of the narrative. Furthermore, the photo of “Mr. Reynolds” used in the post closely resembled an image from a similar viral rumor involving NBA legend Michael Jordan and his old high school janitor. This further raised questions about the authenticity of the story, as the same image had previously been used to create another false narrative about a famous public figure.

The Role of Social Media in Spreading Misinformation

The story of Leavitt’s supposed gesture to the janitor was not just limited to Facebook. In early March 2025, YouTube channels such as Gentry Stories and Ikonic Stories published videos with the same sensational title: “Karoline Leavitt Discovers Her High School Janitor Still Working at 80, Her Next Move Stuns Everyone.” These videos, which were generated using artificial intelligence for scripting, visuals, and narration, amassed tens of thousands of views and were shared widely across social media.

These kinds of viral stories are often designed to engage audiences and generate clicks, which can then be monetized through advertising or used to increase followers on social media pages. The ultimate goal of many content creators behind such stories is to increase page engagement to the point where they can sell the account for a profit or directly monetize their platform.

The false Leavitt janitor story falls into a category of fabricated narratives that often feature inspiring stories about celebrities, politicians, or athletes doing kind and extraordinary things for everyday people. While these stories may sound heartwarming, they are generally created for the sole purpose of driving engagement and earning revenue, rather than sharing factual information.

How This Story Spread

The viral nature of this hoax was not limited to social media. It quickly spread to websites like viralstoryus.noithatnhaxinhbacgiang.com and others, where the fabricated narrative was published as a genuine news article. These sites are often created specifically to capitalize on trending topics and high-traffic content, with little to no regard for accuracy.

Once the story gained traction, many fans of Leavitt—particularly those who follow her political career and media appearances—expressed their admiration for her purported act of kindness. The online discussion around the story further fueled its popularity, with people celebrating what they believed to be an act of compassion. However, once the truth behind the story was revealed, many expressed frustration over the spreading of false information and the confusion it caused.

The Real Karoline Leavitt: A Rising Political Star

Karoline Leavitt’s real story is one of rapid ascension within the political and media landscape. A former communications staffer in the Trump White House, Leavitt was one of the youngest members of the team. She later made an attempt to run for Congress in 2022, representing New Hampshire’s 1st District. While she did not win the election, Leavitt’s political platform helped her gain prominence, leading to her role as the White House Press Secretary in 2024.

Known for her assertive and unapologetic approach, Leavitt quickly garnered attention in the political arena. Her rise in the Republican Party has been marked by her ability to communicate effectively with both the media and the American public. In addition to her professional achievements, Leavitt has been a vocal advocate for conservative values and is recognized for her sharp commentary on Fox News.

Leavitt’s public life has been filled with milestones that have shaped her career. However, her personal life and charitable acts, like her advocacy for various causes and community work, have also been a topic of interest to her supporters. Nonetheless, the story of her organizing a fundraiser for an old high school janitor is, as established, completely fabricated.

Misinformation and Its Impact

The spread of false information is nothing new in today’s digital age, where social media platforms allow anyone to publish stories that can quickly go viral. Misinformation campaigns, whether intentional or accidental, can have serious consequences, leading to confusion, the spreading of inaccurate narratives, and the erosion of trust in public figures.

As the Leavitt janitor story shows, viral content can easily become a tool for driving online engagement, even when it is based on completely fabricated claims. This trend highlights the need for media literacy and critical thinking when consuming news, particularly on platforms that prioritize engagement over accuracy.

Moving Forward: Addressing the Issue of Misinformation

In the wake of this debunked story, it is important for both media consumers and creators to remain vigilant about the content they encounter online. Fact-checking organizations, like Snopes, play a crucial role in dispelling rumors and educating the public on how to spot false narratives.

Leavitt herself has not publicly addressed the misinformation surrounding the janitor story. However, as a prominent political figure, she will likely continue to face similar challenges as false stories about her or her colleagues circulate online. The best way forward is to ensure that accurate information is promoted and that we all take responsibility for what we share.

In conclusion, the story of Karoline Leavitt’s fundraiser for a high school janitor is a clear example of how misinformation spreads and the importance of checking the facts. While Leavitt’s real-life story remains impressive and inspiring, this viral hoax serves as a reminder of the need for critical thinking and skepticism when encountering sensational stories on social media.