Karoline Leavitt Dubbed “Grim Reaper” by Fans After Clash with Michael Strahan

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has earned a fresh nickname from her supporters following a fiery exchange with Good Morning America host Michael Strahan. The Wednesday interview turned heads as Leavitt staunchly defended President Donald Trump’s push to bring federal workers back to their Washington, DC offices.

Karoline Leavitt's stunning takedown of GMA's Michael Strahan earns her  another nickname | Daily Mail Online

A Stunning Retort

During the segment, Strahan raised concerns about whether the policy might drive seasoned doctors and scientists to quit rather than return to a five-day office schedule. Leavitt fired back sharply: “Most doctors in hospitals and medical facilities have to show up in person.” Her swift response caught Strahan off guard and set off a wave of reactions from viewers.

Fans rallied behind Leavitt, crowning her the “grim reaper” of broadcasters like Strahan, a former New York Giants NFL star. One X user posted: “Karoline Leavitt just claimed another scalp on live TV. She’s the nightmare of fake news!” The clip went viral, racking up over three million views. User JoeT chimed in: “Stone-cold killer. Destined for legend status.”

Rising Stardom

At 27, Leavitt, the youngest press secretary in White House history, has quickly won over Trump and his base. In her Tuesday debut at the briefing room, she shook things up by opening press credentials to new media and influencers. “Whether you’re a TikTok creator, blogger, or podcaster, if you’re producing real news, you can apply for a pass,” she declared. Within hours, 7,400 applications poured in.

Karoline Leavitt's stunning takedown of GMA's Michael Strahan earns her  another nickname | Daily Mail Online

Beyond her role, Leavitt balances life as a mother to son Niko with husband Nicholas Riccio. She thanked Trump’s campaign team for offering her the job despite her mid-campaign pregnancy. After giving birth in July, she wrote on Instagram: “My heart grew bigger than I ever imagined with my child.” Just three days after Trump was shot at a Pennsylvania rally, she resumed work, telling The Conservator: “The president risked his life to win. I had to get back fast.”

Duty and Dedication

Appointed by Trump for her relentless work ethic, Leavitt said of him: “He doesn’t care if you’re a man or woman, with kids or not—just be the best.” Though the job demands sacrifices, she sees it as an honor: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I know my son will one day be proud of his mom.”

Karoline Leavitt's stunning takedown of GMA's Michael Strahan earns her  another nickname | Daily Mail Online

Standing Up for Trump’s Policy

Leavitt staunchly supported Trump’s mandate for federal workers’ return. “People work better in person,” she argued, noting that only 6% of DC federal employees currently work full-time onsite. “Taxpayers fund this government—they deserve people who show up.” Trump also offered a buyout: full pay through September for those opting to resign. For Leavitt, it’s about efficiency and accountability.