Trump Announces Karoline Leavitt’s Departure
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her position at the end of the month, President Donald Trump has announced.
Leavitt, who the president called one of his "most trusted aides", said she would leave to spend more time with her young children and family. Trump expressed full support for her decision on X, describing it as "totally understand and respect" and noting her future role as a top outside advisor and influential voice within the Republican Party.
At 28, Leavitt became the youngest ever press secretary when she took the role last year. Her maternity leave earlier this year, during which she welcomed a second child, was short‑lived, and she returned to work just a month before the announcement of her departure.
Leavitt’s tenure to date has been marked by a sometimes combative relationship with the media, including a high‑profile clash with the Associated Press last February over terminology used in reporting. She gained praise from Trump supporters for remaining "on message" and fiercely defending the president’s policies.
The White House has yet to announce a replacement. Senior officials, such as Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, have stated they will continue to work with Leavitt daily, hinting at potential future roles but leaving the immediate successor uncertain.
Leavitt’s background includes serving as an assistant press secretary and speech writer under Trump’s first term, a communications director for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, and a spokesperson for the pro‑Trump group Maga Inc. She unsuccessfully ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022, losing to Democrat Chris Pappas.
