Karoline Leavitt, serving as the youngest White House press secretary, announced her departure from the Trump administration at the month’s end. She cited a desire to spend more time with her young family as the primary reason for her decision.
In a recent social media post, Leavitt, aged 28, described her decision as ‘bittersweet’. Her announcement followed President Donald Trump’s statement about her stepping down. Leavitt, who had resumed her duties at the White House after the birth of her daughter Viviana in May, also has a two-year-old son.
“The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary,” Leavitt explained in her post. “This is why I have ultimately decided to leave the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life.”
President Trump expressed support for Leavitt’s decision, stating, “I totally understand and respect!” He announced that she will continue to serve as one of his top external advisors and remain an important figure within the Republican Party.
“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 mentioned in his statement.
Before joining Trump’s 2024 campaign, Leavitt worked with MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump. In 2022, she ran for a congressional seat in New Hampshire, securing a victory in a crowded Republican primary but eventually losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas in the general election. During Trump’s first term, she served as an aide in the White House press office and later as communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Unlike her predecessors, Leavitt held fewer briefings in the White House press room. Trump frequently communicated with reporters during events and travels, often assigning Leavitt to conservative news channels like Fox News to promote his policies and criticize opponents. Previously, Trump had press secretaries like Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Kayleigh McEnany, known for their distinct approaches to media engagement.