Beni Rae Harmony has been appointed an assistant press secretary and White House spokesperson, strengthening Donald Trump’s communications team following Karoline Leavitt’s departure.
Harmony, 24, confirmed the move after reports that she had been recruited from conservative network Real America’s Voice, where she served as senior White House correspondent.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said: “Beni Rae Harmony has been a trusted voice for the MAGA movement as a White House correspondent.”
“She will be an outstanding addition to President Trump’s communications team as an Assistant Press Secretary – we look forward to having her on board!”
Harmony also acknowledged the appointment on social media after Real America’s Voice vice-president Parker Sigg congratulated her.
Mr Sigg said Harmony had brought “relentless work ethic, sharp reporting, incredible energy, and a unique ability to connect with our audience from the front lines of the White House”.
She joined Real America’s Voice in September 2025. Before that, she worked at WICS-ABC20, where she was suspended after delivering a tearful on-air tribute to Charlie Kirk.
Harmony had previously worked as a producer and administrator for Kirk’s organisation, Turning Point USA, from August 2021 until February 2022, according to her LinkedIn profile.
It has also been reported that Mr Trump took an interest in Harmony and was seen reading a file about her aboard Air Force One on September 13.
Karoline Leavitt’s departure
Harmony’s appointment comes as Mr Trump has yet to name a successor to Leavitt as White House press secretary.
Leavitt announced on August 12 that she would leave the administration to spend more time with her two young children, Nico, two, and four-month-old Viviana. She departed on August 27, but no replacement has since been announced.
She has returned to Trump’s Super PAC MAGA Inc, where she was spokeswoman before joining his campaign in 2024.
Leavitt, the youngest press secretary in American history, said the demands of the role and the needs of her children had driven her decision to step down.
“They are just at a critical time in their life where they need their mom home a little bit more,” she said.
Leavitt also described Mr Trump as “an understanding boss and a friend”, saying he had supported her despite critics who believed she was too young for the position.
When asked about her potential replacement, she said the decision was entirely Mr Trump’s, adding: “There is definitely a list, and there’s a lot of good people. I won’t say any names or break any news on that front.”
