Youngest White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to step down

Karoline Leavitt, the youngest press secretary in White House history, will depart her role at the end of the month, a move announced by President Donald Trump. Leavitt, 28, cited a desire to spend more time with her young family as the reason for her departure.

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A decision that I fully understand and respect.

Trump described Leavitt as one of his "most trusted advisors" and expressed understanding and respect for her decision. He announced that she would transition to an external advisor role and continue to be an influential voice within the Republican Party. Leavitt, who welcomed her second child in May, had returned to work last month after maternity leave. She described her tenure as "the honor and adventure of a lifetime," but acknowledged the immense challenge of balancing the demanding role of White House Press Secretary with motherhood.

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

"The truth is, since returning to the White House after my daughter's birth, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mother that my two young children deserve while dedicating the constant time, energy, and attention that the role of White House Press Secretary demands," Leavitt wrote on X. "And that is why I have finally made the bittersweet decision to leave the White House and begin a new chapter in my life."

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The truth is, since returning to the White House after my daughter's birth, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mother that my two young children deserve while dedicating the constant time, energy, and attention that the role of White House Press Secretary demands.

Before her role as press secretary, Leavitt had a long history working with Trump, including as an associate press secretary and speechwriter during his first term. She later served as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik and unsuccessfully ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022. She also worked for a Trump fundraising group before joining his 2024 campaign as national press secretary. During her time in the White House, Leavitt sometimes had a contentious relationship with the media, accusing some journalists of bias.

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And that is why I have finally made the bittersweet decision to leave the White House and begin a new chapter in my life.