White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart her position by the end of the month, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This move leaves the President without one of his key advisors as the November midterm elections approach.
Leavitt will transition into an external communications advisory role and play a part in shaping the future direction of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, according to statements released by both Leavitt and Trump. In a recent social media post, the 28-year-old Leavitt expressed her intention to dedicate more time to her young children. Following the birth of her second child in May, she has just returned from maternity leave.
Trump praised Leavitt’s contributions, acknowledging her leadership in the White House and her dedication to advocating for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom since 2018, including her involvement in the Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Describing her as one of the most outstanding White House Press Secretaries in history, Trump commended Leavitt for her service.
Reflecting on her time at 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 serve as a spokesperson during the transition period before assuming the role of White House press secretary. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the youngest person appointed to this position.
While Trump did not disclose any plans regarding Leavitt’s successor, Harrison Fields, Trump’s former principal deputy press secretary, praised Leavitt’s unique ability to effectively communicate with Trump and navigate media interactions in a strategic and successful manner that resonated with the President’s audience.
During her tenure, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, implemented significant changes in the administration’s approach to media relations. This included a shift towards a more selective process for granting access to journalists, departing from the traditional system overseen by the White House Correspondents’ Association. Additionally, the administration introduced a designated “new media” seat in the briefing room to provide enhanced coverage opportunities for podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms.
While some viewed these changes as a positive adaptation to the evolving media landscape, others criticized the administration’s actions, suggesting it could be used as a tool to reward favorable media coverage.