Trump Announces Karoline Leavitt to Step Down as White House Press Secretary

The youngest-ever White House press secretary, says she is stepping down to spend more time with her two young children while remaining a close adviser to President Trump

Web Desk

WASHINGTON: Karoline Leavitt White House Press Secretary will step down from her role at the end of August, with President Donald Trump praising her as "one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the history of the office" and confirming that she will continue serving as one of his top outside political advisers, bringing an end to a tenure that made history as the youngest person ever to serve as the chief spokesperson for the White House.

Trump announced Leavitt's departure in a social media post, saying he fully respected her decision to leave the administration so she could spend more time with her young family. He credited her with playing an important role in his political movement, including her work during his 2024 presidential campaign, saying she would remain an influential Republican voice ahead of the midterm elections.

Karoline Leavitt, 28, confirmed the decision in her own statement. Reflecting on her tenure, she described her tenure at the White House as "the honor and adventure of a lifetime," expressing gratitude to President Trump, her colleagues, and supporters.

"Since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mother my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy and attention required of the White House Press Secretary," she said.

The announcement comes just weeks after Karoline Leavitt returned to the briefing room following maternity leave after welcoming her second child, daughter Viviana, in May.

Karoline made history when she assumed the important position at 27 years old, becoming the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary. During her short tenure, she became one of the Trump administration's most recognizable public faces, defending the president's agenda during televised press briefings and media appearances while frequently engaging in combative exchanges with reporters.

Karoline Leavitt, born in Atkinson, New Hampshire, attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, before enrolling at Saint Anselm College, a Benedictine liberal arts institution.

She earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Politics in 2019, where she was actively involved in student media and political organizations. During her college years, she completed her internships at Fox News and in the White House press office, experiences that helped launch her career in Republican politics.

Political Career

Karoline Leavitt's political career witnessed an acceleration during Trump's first administration, when she served as an assistant press secretary in the White House.

After leaving the administration, she became communications director for Republican Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, one of Trump's strongest congressional allies.

In 2022, Karoline Leavitt jumped into political arena, winning a competitive 10-candidate Republican primary in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District before losing the general election to Democratic incumbent Chris Pappas.

She later served as a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump political organization, before becoming a senior spokesperson during Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and transition team, ultimately leading to her appointment as White House press secretary.

What's Next?

While leaving the podium, Leavitt is expected to remain closely involved in Republican politics as one of Trump's outside advisers, a role the president said will keep her at the center of her political operation heading into future elections because Trump has not yet announced who will succeed Leavitt as White House press secretary.