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WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her position at the end of August to spend more time with her young children, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday, ending her tenure as the youngest person ever to hold the high-profile post.
Trump announced Leavitt’s departure in a Truth Social post, praising her as one of his most trusted White House aides and saying she will remain politically active as an outside adviser.
“Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family,” Trump wrote.
Trump said Leavitt will become one of his “top outside advisors” and remain an influential voice within the Republican Party as his administration works toward the 2026 midterm elections.
Leavitt cites family and demands of the job
Leavitt confirmed her departure in a nearly 500-word statement posted on X, thanking Trump for giving her what she described as extraordinary opportunities during her time in the administration.
She said serving as the president’s chief spokesperson allowed her to spend extensive time in the Oval Office, meet foreign leaders and interact with Americans across the country.
“Most of all, I am thankful to the President for entrusting me with the distinct privilege of speaking on his behalf at the White House podium,” Leavitt wrote.
She described the decision to leave what she called “one of the most demanding jobs in the world” as bittersweet.
Leavitt gave birth to her second child May 1 and returned to the White House briefing room less than a month ago following parental leave.
Her departure comes as the administration enters a critical period ahead of the November 2026 elections, when Republicans will defend their congressional majorities.
A combative presence at the White House podium
Leavitt took over as press secretary in January 2025 at age 27, becoming the youngest person to serve in the position.
During her tenure, she became a prominent defender of Trump’s policies and frequently clashed with reporters during White House briefings. She framed her role as ensuring that the administration’s message reached the public while challenging what she viewed as unfavorable coverage from the news media.
“I have spoken with great pride about the many historic accomplishments of this Administration, and I have relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people hear the truth about President Trump’s successes,” she wrote.
Leavitt also made clear that leaving the administration will not mean leaving Republican politics.
She said she would “always remain a vocal advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party” and pledged to continue fighting against Trump’s political opponents.
“Our country is facing an existential threat from an increasingly extremist Democrat Party,” Leavitt wrote, adding that those who care about the country have a responsibility to “fight back against that threat.”
What comes next for Leavitt
Leavitt’s move to an outside adviser role will allow her to remain closely connected to Trump while stepping away from the daily demands of the White House press office.
Trump credited Leavitt with being a trusted member of his inner circle and indicated that he expects her to play a role in the Republican Party’s efforts during the midterm elections.
Leavitt also credited White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who co-managed Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, with initially hiring her during the campaign.
The White House has not said when it will announce Leavitt’s replacement or whether the next press secretary will come from Trump’s political operation, administration or media team.
Her departure will mark another significant personnel change as Trump prepares for the second half of his term and intensifies his political focus on the 2026 midterm elections.
