White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart from her position by the end of the month, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This development 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 pivotal role in shaping the future direction of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, according to statements made by both Leavitt and Trump. In a recent social media post, 28-year-old Leavitt expressed her desire to dedicate more time to her young children, particularly after welcoming her second child in May and returning from maternity leave.
Describing Leavitt as a significant figure in the White House, President Trump praised her contributions in advocating for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom since 2018, including during the Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Trump hailed Leavitt as one of the most exceptional White House Press Secretaries in history.
Reflecting on her time at the White House, Leavitt referred to her role as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.” She initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and served as a transition spokesperson before being appointed as the White House press secretary, making her the youngest person to hold that position.
Trump has not yet disclosed any plans regarding Leavitt’s replacement for this prominent role.
Former principal deputy press secretary for Trump, Harrison Fields, lauded Leavitt, stating that few could match her abilities. Fields emphasized Leavitt’s fluency in understanding and effectively communicating Trump’s message to the media, catering to the president’s audience with skill and success.
During her tenure, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, implemented significant changes in the administration’s approach to media interactions. This included a shift towards a more selective process for granting access to journalists covering the president, diverging from the traditional system overseen by the independent White House Correspondents’ Association.
The administration’s press office introduced a designated “new media” seat in the briefing room, granting platforms like podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital outlets increased visibility in presidential coverage. While some praised this move for acknowledging the evolving media landscape, others criticized it for potentially being a tool to reward favorable coverage.
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