In a surprising shakeup at Fox News, 26-year-old political rising star Karoline Leavitt has officially signed a long-term contract with the network — but it’s what happened next that has viewers and insiders doing a double-take.
The former congressional candidate and rapid-fire conservative commentator is no stranger to the spotlight, but few expected her first official on-air assignment to be alongside none other than Greg Gutfeld, the late-night king of conservative satire.
Leavitt, who once served as the youngest spokesperson in the Trump White House press office, has built a loyal following with her unapologetically bold takes on politics, culture, and the direction of America’s future. Her addition to Fox News had been rumored for months — but the contract was signed, sealed, and delivered this week in New York, with photos of Leavitt and Gutfeld shaking hands inside the Gutfeld! studio going viral in minutes.
The Surprise Twist
Insiders say the decision to pair Leavitt with Gutfeld for her debut wasn’t just strategic — it was symbolic. The show opened with Gutfeld’s usual rapid-fire monologue, but halfway through, he “passed the mic” to Leavitt for an unfiltered rant on campus free speech that left the live audience roaring.
What came next was completely unscripted — Leavitt challenged Gutfeld to a rapid-fire back-and-forth on Gen Z politics, gender roles, and media hypocrisy. The two clashed, laughed, and even found common ground in what many called the most electric five minutes of Fox News this year.
“She’s sharp, fearless, and fast,” Gutfeld said on-air. “I might be out of a job if I’m not careful.”
Reaction From Fans and Critics
Social media lit up within seconds. One viewer posted: “Karoline Leavitt just steamrolled Gutfeld and made it look effortless. This is the kind of fire Fox has been missing.” Another tweet that racked up thousands of likes read: “Fox News is grooming its next superstar — and she just made her debut.”
Not everyone was thrilled, of course. Some critics argued the segment was too combative for Fox’s late-night audience, but others praised it as a “fresh reboot” to a formula that needed shaking up.
What's Next for Leavitt?
According to network insiders, Leavitt’s role is set to expand beyond Gutfeld!’s panel. Plans are already in motion for her to appear as a guest host on The Five and contribute regularly to primetime segments on Hannity and Jesse Watters Primetime. Some are even whispering about a weekend show of her own, with Fox executives reportedly “impressed by her presence, timing, and massive digital engagement.”
It’s a fast rise — even by Fox News standards — and one that seems tailor-made for a generation craving bold, unfiltered voices.
Love her or loathe her, Karoline Leavitt has officially arrived — and she’s not playing by anyone’s rules.