Trump's youngest press secretary Karoline Leavitt to step down

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, known for her assertive style, will depart her role at the end of the month, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday. Leavitt, 28, made history as the youngest person to hold the position of US presidential spokesperson.

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Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family.

Trump described Leavitt as one of his most trusted aides and stated she would transition to a role as a top outside advisor and an influential voice within the Republican Party. Her departure comes as Trump faces declining poll numbers ahead of the November midterm congressional elections.

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Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party.

Leavitt, a staunch defender of Trump, cited her family as the reason for leaving. "I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve" while fulfilling the demanding duties of press secretary, she stated on social media. She had recently returned to work after the birth of her second child.

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I have relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people hear the truth about President Trump’s successes.

Leavitt's tenure saw a return to regular press briefings, but also significant shifts in the White House's interaction with the press. Notably, in February 2025, she announced that the White House, not the correspondents' association, would select reporters for close-up coverage of Trump. She also facilitated credentials for right-wing media outlets, altering the traditional media landscape in the briefing room.

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I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve