Chicago â August 12, 2026
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her role at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday via Truth Social. The 28-year-old, who became the youngest person to hold the position when she took office in January 2025, cited her desire to spend more time with her two young children as the reason for her departure.
Family Priorities Drive Decision
Leavitt gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Viviana, in early May and recently returned from maternity leave in mid-July. In a statement posted on X, she described the decision as âbittersweet,â explaining that since returning to the White House after her daughterâs birth, she felt she could not be the best mother her children deserved while devoting the constant time and energy the press secretary role requires.
Continued Advisory Role
Trump praised Leavitt as âone of my most trusted aidesâ and said he âtotally understand and respectâ her decision. She will transition to serving as one of his top outside advisors and remain an influential voice within the Republican Party, particularly as the party prepares for the November midterm elections. Trump did not announce a replacement for the high-profile position.
Leavitt earned a reputation during her tenure for her sharp responses to reporters and fierce loyalty to Trump, often delivering aggressive performances at combative press briefings.
