White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her position by the end of the month, announced U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This departure leaves President Trump without one of his key advisors as the November midterm elections approach.
Leavitt will transition to an external communications advisor and a pivotal figure in shaping the future direction of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, as stated by both Leavitt and Trump. In a social media post, the 28-year-old Leavitt expressed her intention to dedicate more time to her young children, especially after giving birth to her second child in May and recently returning from maternity leave.
Trump praised Leavitt’s leadership within the White House, commending her exceptional advocacy for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom since 2018, including during the Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Leavitt, in turn, described her tenure at the White House as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.”
Having initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and later becoming the White House press secretary, Leavitt became the youngest person ever appointed to this position. Trump did not disclose any immediate plans regarding Leavitt’s replacement in this prominent role.
Harrison Fields, Trump’s former principal deputy press secretary, lauded Leavitt’s unique abilities, stating that she effectively communicated Trump’s message and skillfully managed media interactions to resonate with the president’s audience.
During her tenure, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, reshaped the administration’s media strategy, drawing both praise from Trump’s supporters and criticism from advocates of a free press. The administration adopted a new approach of selectively granting access to journalists, moving away from the longstanding system overseen by the independent White House Correspondents’ Association.
The administration also introduced a “new media” seat in the briefing room, offering podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms increased visibility in reporting on presidential activities. While some viewed this as a positive acknowledgment of the evolving media landscape, others raised concerns about potential favoritism towards outlets with favorable coverage.
This shift underscores the evolving dynamics between the White House and the media under Leavitt’s tenure, prompting varied reactions within the journalistic community.