Karoline Leavitt is preparing to leave her position as White House press secretary at the end of the month, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday in a Truth Social post.
The announcement came as a surprise, particularly because Leavitt has been one of the most visible and outspoken members of Trump’s administration. Trump said she is stepping away to spend more time with her family, but her departure from the press secretary’s podium does not mean she is leaving his political team.
Instead, Trump said Leavitt will remain closely involved as one of his top outside advisers. He also predicted that she would become an influential voice within the Republican Party as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Leavitt, 28, explained that becoming a mother while serving as White House press secretary has presented an enormous challenge. After returning to the White House following the birth of her daughter, she said she came to the realization that the demanding schedule of the job made it difficult to give her two young children the time and attention she believes they deserve.
Her decision marks the end of a highly visible chapter for an administration that has faced one controversy after another. Leavitt regularly defended Trump and his policies during some of the biggest stories of his second term, including the Signalgate controversy, the release of the Epstein files and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
She also became known for taking an aggressive approach toward the administration’s political opponents. In announcing her departure, Leavitt continued that approach, criticizing Democrats whom she accused of wanting to undermine what she described as the country’s strengths.
Leavitt’s tenure also made history. At just 28 years old, she became the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary. During her time behind the podium, she emerged as one of the administration’s most recognizable public defenders.
She also supported the White House’s efforts to change how reporters and media organizations receive access. The administration argued that broadening access to include influencers and voices friendly to the MAGA movement would make the press operation more open rather than more restricted.
Trump now faces the task of selecting another press secretary, a position he has filled several times before. The president personally chooses the press secretary, and the job does not require confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
During Trump’s first term, he went through four different press secretaries. This latest transition could therefore become another significant change inside a White House that is already preparing for the political battles ahead of the midterm elections.