Karoline Leavitt's Dramatic Transformation from College Student to Political Superstar

Throwback pictures show the former Trump press secretary's evolution from fresh-faced to polished public figure.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Before becoming the youngest-ever White House press secretary under former President Donald Trump, Karoline Leavitt underwent a dramatic transformation from her college days. Throwback photos show the New Hampshire native looking more natural and youthful during her time at Saint Anselm College, where she studied communications and political science. Experts have noted Leavitt's shift to a 'softer and more controlled' appearance, with carefully applied makeup that gives her a 'cleaner, more natural finish' for her high-profile TV appearances.

Why it matters

Leavitt's transformation highlights the pressure and scrutiny faced by young, female political figures to present a certain image. Her evolution from college student to poised press secretary reflects the broader trend of politicians, especially women, needing to carefully curate their public personas to succeed in the political arena.

The details

Pics from Leavitt's college days show her looking 'natural and youthful,' but the 28-year-old has since undergone a gradual 'transformation.' Makeup artist Andrea D. Charles noted that Leavitt now uses 'full-coverage makeup with warm, bronze tones and bold brows' which 'works well in studio lighting.' The foundation appears lighter, the contour is tighter and more neutral, and her brows and lips are more balanced, resulting in a 'cleaner, more natural finish.'

  • Leavitt graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2019 with degrees in communications and political science.
  • She became the youngest-ever White House press secretary in 2021 under former President Donald Trump.

The players

Karoline Leavitt

A former White House press secretary under Donald Trump, known for her dramatic transformation from college student to polished political figure.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who praised Leavitt's 'machine gun' TV delivery and her 'beautiful face and those lips.'

Andrea D. Charles

A celebrity makeup artist who analyzed Leavitt's evolving makeup routine and appearance.

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What they’re saying

“Karoline Leavitt usually wears full-coverage makeup with warm, bronze tones and bold brows, which works well in studio lighting but can appear heavier in photos. The foundation appears lighter, the contour is tighter and more neutral. Her brows and lips are more balanced, resulting in a cleaner, more natural finish.”

— Andrea D. Charles, Celebrity Makeup Artist (the Irish Star)

“Isn't Karoline great? You know, when she goes on television, Fox, like I mean, they dominate, they dominate when she gets up there with that beautiful face and those lips that don't stop-op-op-op, like a little machine gun.”

— Donald Trump (Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania)

What’s next

Leavitt is expected to continue her high-profile role as a political commentator and potential future candidate, with her carefully curated public image likely to remain a topic of discussion.

The takeaway

Karoline Leavitt's transformation from college student to polished press secretary highlights the intense scrutiny and pressure faced by young, female political figures to present a certain image in order to succeed in the political arena.