Karoline Leavitt has argued that Democrats borrowed President Donald Trump’s political strategy to secure their victories in the recent midterm elections, saying Republicans need a new leader who can connect with voters in the same way Trump did.
The former White House press secretary shared her assessment during an interview with Lara Trump on Fox News on Saturday, following the Democratic Party’s victories in both the Senate and the House.
Although she acknowledged the Democrats’ success in mobilising voters, Leavitt said their approach reflected lessons Republicans should take from Trump’s political rise.
Leavitt Urges Republicans to Find a New Trump-Style Leader
During the interview, Leavitt said Republicans must recognise that Trump was not on the ballot during the midterm elections and would not lead the party’s presidential ticket again.
She argued that the party needs another America First candidate capable of appealing to ordinary Americans, particularly those who feel overlooked by political leaders.
According to Leavitt, Trump successfully attracted these voters to the Republican Party between 2016 and 2024 by addressing their concerns and offering them hope.
She said Democrats had adopted a similar approach during the midterms by convincing voters that their policies could improve their lives.
“I think that’s something Democrats did well in this election in the midterms was they obviously inspired people to turn out to vote because they made the people feel like we’re going to make your lives better,” Leavitt said.
She added that Republicans must repeat the same strategy but with a different candidate leading the party.
Leavitt Previously Blamed Media Coverage for Republican Losses
On election night, Leavitt also offered an explanation for the Republican Party’s disappointing performance.
She blamed voters for forgetting about what she described as Trump’s good policies and listening to what she called the lying media.
Her latest comments suggest that she believes the party must improve its ability to communicate with voters and persuade them to support its political agenda.
Former Press Secretary Rejects Possibility of Another Political Campaign
Lara Trump also asked Leavitt whether she would consider running for public office again.
Leavitt, who previously contested a congressional seat in New Hampshire in 2022, dismissed the possibility.
“No ma’am, I am good!” she responded.
She lost that congressional race to Chris Pappas, who has now become the first openly gay senator-elect in American history, according to the report.
Leavitt previously served as Trump’s White House press secretary until the end of August.
She had announced her intention to spend more time with her family following the birth of her second child.
Leavitt Praises Democrat James Talarico’s Offer to Work With Trump
During the Fox News interview, Leavitt also acknowledged statements from some Democratic politicians following their election victories.
She specifically praised James Talarico, who won a Senate seat in Texas after the state shifted to the Democratic Party.
Leavitt highlighted Talarico’s statement on the morning after the election that he wanted to work with Trump on behalf of Texas residents.
She described the position as positive, saying Republicans and Democrats should cooperate whenever possible.
However, she expressed doubts that such cooperation would happen, pointing to comments made by California Congressman Robert Garcia.
Robert Garcia’s ‘Lawyer Up’ Warning Draws Criticism
Leavitt criticised Garcia after he responded to the Democrats’ election victory with a warning directed at Trump and his family.
Garcia, the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, reportedly made the statement during an interview with journalist and attorney Aaron Parnas.
He accused members of Trump’s family of benefiting from questionable business activities and suggested they could face congressional investigations.
Garcia specifically referenced Donald Trump Jr’s wedding, which took place earlier in the year and was reportedly funded by a Russian oligarch.
The bride, Bettina, addressed speculation surrounding the event in a September 14 post featuring previously unseen photographs.
She described the Russian national, Umar, as a dear friend.
Garcia also suggested that Trump’s sons could face scrutiny over their positions on the boards of companies receiving contracts from the Pentagon.
He further mentioned cryptocurrency ventures and Jared Kushner’s relationship with Saudi Arabia as potential areas for investigation.
Reacting to Garcia’s remarks, Leavitt accused Democrats of prioritising political retaliation, obstruction and impeachment rather than working in the interests of voters.
She said Garcia’s response demonstrated why she doubted the possibility of meaningful cooperation between the two parties.
Garcia Renews Attacks Following White House Leadership Changes
Garcia repeated his criticism of the Trump administration on Friday following reports that Susie Wiles had been removed as White House chief of staff and would be replaced by senior aide Stephen Miller.
He criticised Trump’s decision to appoint Miller, accusing him of being responsible for immigration enforcement operations that he described as unconstitutional.
Garcia also announced that Democrats on the House Oversight Committee would continue investigating Miller over alleged misconduct.
“Stephen Miller should lawyer up,” Garcia said.
He further accused Trump of doubling down on what he described as a corrupt and lawless presidency despite the election results.
Garcia said Democrats would challenge the administration’s policies through Congress and the courts.
