White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her position at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday, marking a major shakeup in the administration’s communications operation.
Trump announced Leavitt’s departure in a Truth Social post, saying the 28-year-old press secretary made the decision to spend more time with her children and family.
“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, a decision I totally understand and respect!” Trump wrote.
Leavitt will not be leaving Trump’s political operation entirely.
Trump said she will transition into a role as one of his top outside advisers as Republicans prepare for the 2026 midterm elections.
“Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections,” Trump wrote.
The announcement brings an end to Leavitt’s high-profile tenure behind the White House briefing room podium after approximately a year and a half in the position.
Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in US history when she assumed the role following Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025.
Her tenure made her one of the administration’s most visible public figures as she regularly defended Trump’s policies and sparred with reporters during White House briefings.
Trump praised Leavitt’s work in the administration and highlighted her years as an aide and political surrogate.
“Karoline has been a real leader in the White House, and has done a phenomenal job fighting for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom, since 2018, including our Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024,” Trump wrote.
Leavitt’s relationship with Trump stretches back to his first administration, when she worked in the White House press office.
She later served as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) before launching her own campaign for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022.
Leavitt won the Republican nomination for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District but lost the general election, per Trending Politics.
She subsequently joined Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign as national press secretary, becoming one of his most prominent media surrogates as he sought another term in the White House.
Following Trump’s victory, Leavitt was selected to serve as White House press secretary.
Her approach to the position frequently included confrontations with members of the traditional press corps while the administration expanded briefing room access to newer and alternative media organizations.
Leavitt also became a regular presence on television and social media while promoting the administration’s agenda and responding to controversies involving the White House.
Despite her departure from the administration, Trump made clear Wednesday that Leavitt will remain involved in his political operation.
Her transition to an outside advisory position comes as Trump and Republican leaders prepare for the November midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress during the final two years of Trump’s second term.
Trump concluded his announcement by offering another endorsement of Leavitt’s performance.
“Karoline has been one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office. Thank you, Karoline, for a job well done!” Trump wrote.
