White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart her position by the end of the month, announced U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This move leaves the president without one of his closest advisors as the November midterm elections approach. Leavitt will transition into an external communications advisor and political strategist, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, both Leavitt and Trump confirmed in their statements.
In a recent social media post, the 28-year-old Leavitt expressed her intention to dedicate more time to her young children. Following the birth of her second child in May and her subsequent return from maternity leave, Leavitt highlighted her commitment to family as a driving factor in her decision.
Praising Leavitt’s contributions, Trump commended her leadership and unwavering dedication to principles of Justice, Liberty, and Freedom since 2018, particularly during his Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Describing her as one of the most exceptional White House Press Secretaries in history, Trump acknowledged Leavitt’s impact during her tenure.
Reflecting on her time at the White House, Leavitt described it as both an honor and a remarkable journey. Having initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign team and subsequently serving as a transition spokesperson, Leavitt made history as the youngest individual to assume the role of White House press secretary.
Although Trump did not disclose his plans for Leavitt’s successor in this prominent position, former principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields lauded Leavitt’s unparalleled ability to effectively communicate the president’s message. Fields emphasized Leavitt’s unique talent in understanding and engaging with media dynamics, catering to the president’s audience with finesse and success.
During her tenure, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, instigated significant shifts in the administration’s approach to media relations. These changes, which received mixed reactions, included the administration’s selective distribution of press access to journalists, departing from the traditional system overseen by the White House Correspondents’ Association. Additionally, the administration established a designated “new media” seat in the briefing room, granting increased visibility to podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms in presidential coverage.
While some viewed these alterations as a progressive response to evolving media landscapes, others criticized the administration for potentially leveraging press privileges to reward favorable coverage.
