Karoline Leavitt Stepping Down as White House Press Secretary
Karoline Leavitt is stepping down as White House press secretary at the end of August, President Trump announced Wednesday, marking a major shakeup to the president's press operation less than three months before the midterm elections.
Trump broke the news in a Truth Social post, calling Leavitt "one of my most trusted aides." "Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!" Trump wrote. He added that Leavitt "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."
Leavitt's Own Explanation
Leavitt, 28, addressed her decision directly in her own social media post, describing it as a difficult but necessary choice tied to motherhood. "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," she wrote, calling the decision "bittersweet."
Leavitt gave birth to her daughter, Viviana, her second child, on May 1, and had only recently returned to the podium following a short maternity leave. During her time away, White House press briefings became noticeably less frequent, with officials including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio occasionally filling in at the lectern, appearances that drew mixed reactions.
A Historic Tenure
Leavitt made history as the youngest White House press secretary ever, and also the first woman to be pregnant while holding the demanding role. She has served in the position since Trump returned to office in January 2025, having previously worked as national press secretary during his 2024 campaign and as a press aide during his first term. Trump praised her tenure in his announcement. "Karoline has been a real leader in the White House, and has done a phenomenal job fighting for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom, since 2018, including our Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024," he wrote.
What Comes Next
It remains unclear who will succeed Leavitt as press secretary or who might fill the role on an interim basis. The announcement comes amid a broader stretch of White House headlines, including recent reporting on the circumstances surrounding Trump's use of a decoy plane during a trip to Turkey.
As Leavitt transitions into her new advisory role, she's expected to focus much of her attention on helping Republicans navigate the upcoming midterm elections in November, a race both parties view as pivotal to control of Congress for the remainder of Trump's term.
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