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 move leaves the president without one of his key advisors as the November midterm elections approach. Leavitt will transition to an external communications role and party operative, contributing to the evolution of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, according to statements made by both Leavitt and Trump.
In a recent social media post, Leavitt, aged 28, expressed her intention to dedicate more time to her young children. Following the birth of her second child in May, she has just returned from maternity leave. Trump praised Leavitt’s contributions during her tenure, highlighting her leadership in advocating for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom since 2018, notably during the 2024 Historic Re-Election Campaign. Trump commended Leavitt as one of the most exceptional White House Press Secretaries in history.
Reflecting on her time at the White House, Leavitt described it as a remarkable and fulfilling experience. She initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and later transitioned to the role of White House press secretary, making her the youngest individual to hold this position. Trump has not yet revealed his plans for selecting Leavitt’s successor in this prominent role.
Former principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields praised Leavitt, emphasizing her unique ability to effectively communicate Trump’s message to the media. Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, reshaped the administration’s approach to media interactions during her eighteen months in office. Their actions included a shift towards hand-picking journalists with access to the president, departing from the traditional system managed by the White House Correspondents’ Association.
One notable change implemented by the administration was the introduction of a “new media” seat in the briefing room, offering increased visibility to podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms. While some viewed this move as a positive adaptation to the evolving media landscape, others criticized it as a potential tool for favoring media outlets with positive coverage.