White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her position at the conclusion of the month, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This departure leaves the president without one of his key advisers leading up to the upcoming midterm elections in November. Leavitt will transition into a role as an external communications consultant and a strategist for shaping the future direction of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” initiative, according to statements from both Leavitt and Trump.
In a recent social media post, the 28-year-old Leavitt expressed her intention to dedicate more time to her young children. Following the birth of her second child in May, she had taken a maternity leave and has now decided to step away from her current position. Trump praised Leavitt’s contributions, highlighting her leadership in advocating for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom since 2018, including her involvement in the Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Trump referred to Leavitt as one of the most exceptional White House Press Secretaries in history.
Describing her tenure at the White House as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime,” Leavitt initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and later served as a transition spokesperson before being appointed as the White House press secretary. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the youngest individual appointed to this role. Trump has not disclosed any plans regarding Leavitt’s successor in this prominent position.
Former principal deputy press secretary for Trump, Harrison Fields, praised Leavitt’s unique abilities, stating that few could match her fluency in communicating with Trump and manipulating media interactions to align with the president’s messaging. During her time on the job, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, reshaped the administration’s approach to media relations. This shift involved the administration selectively granting access to journalists covering the president, departing from the traditional setup overseen by the White House Correspondents’ Association.
Under Leavitt’s guidance, the administration introduced a tailored system for media access, including the establishment of a dedicated “new media” seat in the briefing room to offer enhanced coverage opportunities for podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms. While some commended this move as an acknowledgment of the evolving media landscape, others raised concerns about potential favoritism towards outlets that portrayed the administration positively.