White House spokesperson resigns less than a month after maternity leave

Karoline Leavitt, who served as a key spokesperson for Donald Trump, is stepping down from her White House role. Her departure comes less than a month after she returned to work following the birth of her second child in May.

Trump announced Leavitt's resignation on his social media platform, Truth Social. He stated that Leavitt wishes to dedicate more time to her young children and family, a decision he fully understands and respects. The former president also revealed that Leavitt will continue to serve as one of his top outside advisors and a prominent voice within the Republican party, aiming for a decisive victory in the upcoming midterm elections.

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I have come to realize that I cannot be the best mother I can be to my two young children while also dedicating the constant time, energy, and attention that the White House spokesperson role demands.

Leavitt herself shared her sentiments on social media, expressing that upon returning to the White House after her daughter's birth, she realized the impossibility of fulfilling the demanding, constant requirements of a White House spokesperson while also being the best mother to her two young children. This realization led to her bittersweet decision to leave the White House and begin a new chapter in her life. She confirmed Trump's request for her to continue as a senior advisor outside the White House, assuring her continued support for the "Make America Great Again" movement and the Republican party.

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I completely understand and respect this decision.

Leavitt, 28, was appointed spokesperson by Trump after his victory in the 2024 presidential election. At 27, she was the youngest person to hold the position. She made history as the first White House spokesperson to give birth while in office. After her maternity leave, she officially returned to press briefings on July 16th, but her tenure has now concluded within a month.

Previously, Leavitt served as a deputy White House spokesperson during Trump's first administration and was the national spokesperson for the Trump campaign in 2024. Between administrations, she ran for a U.S. House seat in New Hampshire in 2022 but lost to Democratic incumbent Chris Pappas. She also gave birth to her first child, a son, in July 2024 during the presidential campaign. At that time, she returned to campaigning just four days after maternity leave, following an assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

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Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors and an influential voice in the Republican party.

Trump lauded Leavitt as a "true leader" in the White House and praised her work since 2018, fighting for justice and freedom, including during his "historic 2024 re-election campaign." He called her "one of the best White House spokespersons ever." Trump did not announce a successor.

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I will continue to be a strong voice in support of the 'Make America Great Again' movement and the Republican party.