White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart from her position by the end of the month, as confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This development leaves the President without one of his key advisors as the November midterm elections draw near.
Leavitt will transition to an external communications consultant and political operative, contributing to the advancement of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, both Leavitt and Trump announced in separate statements. In a recent social media post, the 28-year-old Leavitt expressed her intention to dedicate more time to her young children, particularly after welcoming her second child, a daughter, in May and returning from maternity leave.
Trump praised Leavitt’s contributions, describing her as a strong leader within the White House who has been instrumental in advocating for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom since 2018, notably during the Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. He lauded her as one of the most outstanding White House Press Secretaries in the history of the office.
Reflecting on her tenure at the White House, Leavitt remarked that it had been a remarkable honor and adventure. She initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and later transitioned to the role of White House press secretary, becoming the youngest person ever appointed to this position.
The President has not disclosed any details regarding Leavitt’s successor for the prominent role. Former principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields praised Leavitt, highlighting her ability to effectively communicate with Trump and strategically engage with the media to serve the President’s interests.
During her tenure, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, implemented significant changes in the administration’s media interactions, drawing both praise from Trump’s supporters and criticism from advocates of a free press. The administration began selectively granting access to journalists covering the President, departing from the established system overseen by the independent White House Correspondents’ Association.
Furthermore, the press office under the Trump administration introduced a designated “new media” seat in the briefing room, aimed at granting podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms enhanced coverage of presidential activities. While some viewed this as a positive adaptation to the evolving media landscape, others raised concerns about potential biases in favor of outlets perceived to provide favorable coverage.
These modifications heralded a shift in the administration’s approach to media engagement, sparking diverse reactions within the press community.