White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her position by the end of the month, as confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This departure will leave the president without one of his key advisors as the November midterm elections approach.
Leavitt will transition into an external communications consultant and play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, according to statements from both Leavitt and Trump. In a recent social media post, the 28-year-old Leavitt cited her desire to dedicate more time to her young children, particularly after the birth of her second child in May and her subsequent return from maternity leave.
President Trump commended Leavitt’s contributions, acknowledging her leadership in advocating for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom since 2018, including her instrumental role in the Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Trump lauded her as one of the most exceptional White House Press Secretaries in history.
Reflecting on her time in the White House, Leavitt described it as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.” She initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and later transitioned to the role of White House press secretary after serving as a spokesperson during the transition period. Notably, Leavitt holds the distinction of being the youngest person to have held this position.
Regarding the vacancy left by Leavitt, Trump has not yet disclosed any specific plans for her successor in this prominent role.
Harrison Fields, Trump’s former principal deputy press secretary, praised Leavitt’s exceptional abilities, noting her fluency in understanding and effectively communicating Trump’s message to the media in a strategic and successful manner that resonated with the president’s audience.
During her tenure, Leavitt, in collaboration with White House communications director Steven Cheung, implemented significant changes in the administration’s approach to media engagements, a move that drew both praise from Trump’s supporters and criticism from advocates of a free press. The administration initiated a practice of selectively granting access to journalists, departing from the longstanding protocol established by the independent White House Correspondents’ Association.
Traditionally, the press pool comprised a rotation of journalists chosen by the association to ensure consistent access to the president and facilitate the dissemination of news about his activities. Under the Trump administration’s direction, a new media seat was introduced in the briefing room, granting podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms greater visibility in covering presidential events.
While some viewed this adjustment as a nod to the evolving media landscape, others raised concerns about the potential for the administration to use this approach as a means to favorably influence media coverage by rewarding certain outlets.