WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump on Friday announced that he is selecting Karoline Leavitt to serve as White House press secretary.

“Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator,” Trump said in a statement. “I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium, and help deliver our message to the American People as we, Make America Great Again.”

Leavitt served as his campaign’s national press secretary during this election cycle, and since Election Day, she has served as a transition team spokesperson.

NBC News has reached out to Leavitt for comment.

Earlier on Friday, Trump tapped Steven Cheung as his incoming director of communications. Cheung held that same title on Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

Leavitt has defended Trump’s rhetoric, saying during an Election Day interview on NBC News NOW, “when it comes to the alleged dark rhetoric, he’s talking about the reality in this country right now,” pointing to the number of Americans who have said they felt the country was moving in the wrong direction.