White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart her position by the end of the month, as confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This transition leaves the president without one of his key advisors as the November midterm elections approach.
Leavitt will transition into an external communications advisor and operative for the advancement of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, as revealed in statements from both Leavitt and Trump. In a recent social media post, the 28-year-old Leavitt expressed her desire to dedicate more time to her young children following the birth of her second child in May and her return from maternity leave.
Describing Leavitt as a pivotal figure in the White House, Trump commended her efforts in advocating for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom since 2018, particularly during the Historical Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Trump praised Leavitt as one of the most exceptional White House Press Secretaries in the Office’s history.
Reflecting on her tenure at the White House, Leavitt regarded her role as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.” She initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and served as a transition spokesperson before assuming the position of White House press secretary. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the youngest individual appointed to this role.
While Trump did not disclose specific plans for Leavitt’s successor in this prominent position, Harrison Fields, Trump’s former principal deputy press secretary, lauded Leavitt’s unparalleled ability to effectively communicate Trump’s message to the media and the public.
During her tenure, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, orchestrated a significant shift in the administration’s interaction with the media. This transformation included changes in the press pool selection process, with the administration hand-picking journalists granted access to the president, departing from the traditional system overseen by the White House Correspondents’ Association.
Additionally, the administration introduced a specialized “new media” seat in the briefing room to provide podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital outlets with enhanced coverage opportunities, a move that received mixed reactions from press advocates and critics alike.
Overall, Leavitt’s departure marks a significant change within the White House press team, prompting speculation about the future direction of press relations under the Trump administration.