White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has been given a new nickname by her supporters following a tense exchange with Good Morning America host Michael Strahan.

During an interview on Wednesday, Strahan challenged Leavitt on President Donald Trump’s decision to require federal employees to return to in-office work. He expressed concerns that experienced professionals, such as doctors and scientists, might resign rather than comply.

Leavitt quickly fired back, pointing out that most medical professionals already work on-site in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The response resonated with her supporters, who dubbed her the “grim reaper” of news anchors. One fan even joked on social media that she had “taken another soul on live TV.” A viral clip of the exchange garnered over three million views, with some users calling her a “stone-cold killer” and predicting her rise to legendary status.

Leavitt, at just 27 years old, has gained rapid support from both Trump and his base. She made waves earlier in the week by announcing a shift in the White House press briefing room, granting access to new media outlets, bloggers, and influencers. Within hours, over 7,400 people applied for credentials.

Outside of work, Leavitt balances her role as press secretary with her home life alongside her husband, Nicholas Riccio, and their young son, Niko. She has spoken about the sacrifices required for her position but emphasized the honor of serving in the White House.

Her assertive style isn’t new—Leavitt previously clashed with CNN anchors over media bias, an incident that resulted in her microphone being cut off mid-interview. Some supporters have acknowledged that while her combative approach was effective during the campaign, it may require adjustments as she continues in her role.

Despite the controversy, Leavitt remains firm in defending Trump’s policies, including the executive order mandating that federal agencies implement return-to-office plans. She argued that in-person work leads to greater productivity and efficiency, adding that taxpayers deserve a fully operational government workforce.

Trump also introduced an option for federal employees to take a buyout, offering full pay and benefits until September if they choose to resign by February 6th. Leavitt highlighted that only six percent of Washington, DC-based federal employees currently work full-time in their offices, while millions of taxpayer dollars are spent maintaining underutilized office buildings.

Her sharp responses and unwavering stance continue to fuel her growing reputation, reinforcing her position as one of the most formidable figures in the Trump administration.