White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart from her position at the end of the month, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This departure leaves the president without one of his key advisors as the November midterm elections approach. Leavitt will transition to an external communications advisory role and play a role in shaping the future direction of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, according to statements from both her and Trump.
In a recent social media post, the 28-year-old Leavitt expressed her desire to dedicate more time to her young children. Having given birth to her second child in May and returning from maternity leave, she highlighted her decision to step back from her current White House responsibilities.
Trump commended Leavitt for her leadership and contributions, particularly during the Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024, describing her as one of the most exceptional White House Press Secretaries in history. Leavitt, in turn, described her time at the White House as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.”
Leavitt initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and subsequently served as a transition spokesperson before being appointed as White House press secretary, becoming the youngest individual to hold this position. Trump has yet to announce his plans for Leavitt’s successor in this prominent role.
Former principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields praised Leavitt for her unique ability to effectively communicate with Trump and navigate media interactions to resonate with the president’s audience. During her tenure, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, implemented significant changes in the administration’s approach to media relations, drawing both praise from Trump supporters and criticism from advocates of a free press.
Under the leadership of Leavitt and Cheung, the Trump administration introduced a new system for selecting journalists who could access the president, departing from the long-standing practices established by the White House Correspondents’ Association. This initiative aimed to provide a more diverse representation of media outlets in the press pool, including podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms, reflecting the evolving media landscape. While some viewed this move as a positive adaptation to changing media dynamics, others raised concerns about potential biases in media access based on favorable coverage.