White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her role at the end of August, according to an announcement made by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Leavitt, who holds the distinction of being the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary at age 28, stated that she is leaving the administration to spend more time with her young family following the birth of her second child.
The departure comes with less than three months until the midterm elections, marking a significant staffing shift for the White House press operation. According to President Trump’s social media announcement, Leavitt will transition to an outside advisory role.
A Bittersweet Departure and Family Balance
Leavitt returned to the White House briefing room podium last month following maternity leave after welcoming her daughter, Viviana, on May 1. She and her husband also share a two-year-old son, Niko. In a statement posted to social media, Leavitt described her exit as a bittersweet decision.
“The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary,” Leavitt wrote.
President Trump praised Leavitt’s tenure, calling her one of his most trusted aides and stating that he fully understands and respects her decision to prioritize family. During her recent maternity leave, White House press briefings were held less frequently, with senior officials such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio occasionally stepping in to field questions.
Transition to MAGA Inc. and the Midterm Elections
Following her departure at the end of August, Leavitt plans to remain a prominent voice in Republican politics. According to statements from both Trump and Leavitt, she will serve as a top outside advisor and return to MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting the president.
“Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy history, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections,” President Trump wrote.
Before joining the 2024 presidential campaign and subsequently taking on the role of press secretary, Leavitt worked as a spokesperson for MAGA Inc. During Trump’s first term, she served as an aide in the White House press office and later worked as communications director for New York Republican Representative Elise Stefanik. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a Republican primary before losing the general election to Democratic Representative Chris Pappas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Karoline Leavitt leaving her position?
- According to President Trump’s announcement, Leavitt will officially depart her role as White House Press Secretary at the end of August.
- Why is Leavitt stepping down?
- Leavitt stated that she is stepping down to dedicate more time to raising her two young children, noting the demanding schedule required by the press secretary position.
- What is her next professional role?
- Leavitt will transition to serving as a top outside adviser to President Trump and will return to the Trump-affiliated super PAC MAGA Inc. ahead of the midterm elections.
- Who will replace Leavitt as press secretary?
- As of the White House announcement, President Trump has not yet named a replacement for the press secretary role.
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