White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart from her position by the end of the current 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 a role as an external communications advisor and a contributor to shaping the future direction of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, according to statements released by both Leavitt and Trump. In a recent social media post, Leavitt, who is 28 years old, expressed her intention to dedicate more time to her young children. She welcomed her second child, a daughter, in May and has just returned from her maternity leave.
Trump praised Leavitt’s leadership within the White House, commending her efforts in advocating for justice, liberty, and freedom since 2018, particularly during the Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. He referred to her as one of the most outstanding White House Press Secretaries in the history of the office.
Describing her tenure at the White House as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime,” Leavitt initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and later served as a transition spokesperson before assuming the role of White House press secretary. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the youngest individual appointed to this position.
The future plan for Leavitt’s replacement in this prominent role was not disclosed by Trump.
Harrison Fields, Trump’s former principal deputy press secretary, lauded Leavitt’s exceptional skills in effectively communicating with Trump and adeptly managing media interactions in a manner that resonated with the president’s audience.
During her tenure, Leavitt, along with White House communications director Steven Cheung, oversaw a significant shift in the administration’s approach to media relations, drawing both praise from Trump’s supporters and criticism from advocates of a free press. The administration began selecting which journalists would have access to the president, departing from the traditional system overseen by the White House Correspondents’ Association.
The administration’s press office introduced a designated “new media” seat in the briefing room, granting enhanced coverage opportunities to podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital outlets. While some viewed this as a positive acknowledgment of the evolving media landscape, others raised concerns about potential bias in granting access based on favorable coverage.
This reshaping of media access under Leavitt’s leadership marked a significant departure from established practices.
