Karoline Leavitt, the 28-year-old White House press secretary and the youngest person to ever hold the position, is set to leave her post at the end of the month. US President Donald Trump confirmed the departure on Wednesday, praising Leavitt as one of his most trusted aides.
In a statement posted to social media, Trump noted that Leavitt is leaving to spend more time with her young children and family. He expressed his understanding and support for her decision, adding that she will transition into a role as one of his top outside advisors. Trump further stated that she will remain an influential voice within the Republican Party as the campaign works toward the upcoming midterm elections.
Leavitt recently returned to her duties following maternity leave after the birth of her second child in May; she is also the mother of a two-year-old son. Explaining her decision on X, formerly known as Twitter, Leavitt stated that she felt she could not be the mother her children deserve while maintaining the intense demands of the press secretary role. She described the departure as a bittersweet conclusion to her time in the White House.
Known for her fierce loyalty and aggressive, articulate performance during combative press briefings, Leavitt has been a prominent defender of the President. Reflecting on her tenure, she remarked that she enjoyed holding the media accountable and ensuring the public was informed about the President’s successes. No replacement for the high-profile position has been announced by the administration.
Leavitt’s career includes significant experience in Republican politics. Before joining the 2024 campaign, she served as a spokesperson for the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. In 2022, she was the Republican nominee for Congress in New Hampshire, where she won a 10-way primary before ultimately being defeated in the general election by Democratic Representative Chris Pappas. During Trump’s first term, she also held a position as a press aide in the White House and served as communications director for New York Republican Representative Elise Stefanik. Her resignation comes at a challenging time for the administration, as the President faces declining poll numbers and the Republican Party prepares for the November midterm congressional elections.
