WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has selected actress and comedian Roseanne Barr to serve as his next White House press secretary, replacing Karoline Leavitt.
In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump said Barr’s “years of experience dealing with the media and her complete refusal to pretend everything is fine” made her the ideal choice. “Roseanne tells it like it is. She’s tough, she’s funny, and she doesn’t care what the fake news thinks. That’s exactly what we need.”
Barr, 72, confirmed the appointment in a brief interview and offered an early indication of her approach. “It’s time to get the fucking press corpse in line,” she said. “I’ve spent decades dealing with network executives who think they know better than the audience. These people will be a piece of cake.”
Leavitt, who has served as press secretary during the transition period, will step aside. A campaign aide described the change as “a personnel decision reflecting the president-elect’s preference for a more direct communication style.”
Barr rose to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s with the sitcom Roseanne, which portrayed a working-class family with a degree of bluntness that later became both celebrated and controversial. She has remained a polarizing public figure, known for outspoken political commentary and occasional social media controversies that ended prior professional relationships.
Reaction in Washington was muted but consistent with partisan lines. Allies praised the selection as a rejection of polished messaging. Critics suggested it signaled a preference for confrontation over clarification. Neither side appeared particularly surprised.
No start date has been announced. Officials said Barr would begin briefings after the inauguration, pending the usual background and ethics reviews.
Originally published November 11, 2024.
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Jeremy Spoken
None of the snowflakes in an avalanche feels responsible.
