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 move leaves the president without one of his key advisors as the November midterm elections approach.
Leavitt will transition into the role of an external communications advisor and influential figure in shaping the future direction 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 desire to dedicate more time to her young children, particularly after the birth of her second child in May and her recent return from maternity leave.
Trump praised Leavitt’s contributions, citing her leadership and outstanding work in advocating for justice, liberty, and freedom since 2018, including her involvement in the 2024 re-election campaign. He referred to Leavitt as one of the most exceptional White House Press Secretaries in history.
Reflecting on her tenure at the White House, Leavitt described it as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.” She initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and later transitioned into the role of White House press secretary, becoming the youngest person to hold this position. Trump has not yet revealed any plans regarding Leavitt’s successor in this prominent role.
Former principal deputy press secretary to Trump, Harrison Fields, praised Leavitt’s unique ability to effectively communicate on behalf of the president, highlighting her skill in navigating media interactions to resonate with Trump’s messaging.
During her tenure, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, orchestrated a significant shift in the administration’s approach to media relations. This included a departure from the traditional system established by the independent White House Correspondents’ Association, with the administration selectively granting access to journalists. Notably, a designated “new media” seat was introduced in the briefing room, providing podcasters, newsletter creators, and emerging digital platforms with enhanced coverage opportunities.
While some viewed these changes as a positive response to evolving media dynamics, others criticized the administration for potentially leveraging these alterations to reward media outlets with favorable coverage.