In brief
President Donald Trump announced that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will depart her position by the end of August, citing the desire to spend more time with her young children. Leavitt, 28, rose to become the youngest press secretary ever when she was appointed last year. Trump described her as a trusted aide and said she will continue as a top outside adviser. The announcement came after Leavitt returned from maternity leave and welcomed a second child in May. No replacement has been named yet, but the White House will consider future options.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her position at the end of August, President Donald Trump has announced.
Leavitt was described by the president as one of his "most trusted aides". He said she will leave to focus on her family, mentioning the need to care for her young children. Trump posted the news on X, writing, "a decision I totally understand and respect."
In his post, Trump added that Leavitt will remain one of his top outside advisors and an influential voice within the Republican Party.
Leavitt, 28, was appointed last year, making her the youngest ever to hold the role. No successor has been named yet, and White House officials say they are exploring options.
Leavitt welcomed her second child, a baby girl, with husband Nicholas Riccio in May and returned to work from maternity leave last month. She shared on X that the job has been "the honor and adventure of a lifetime," adding that balancing motherhood with the demanding role has been both rewarding and challenging.
Before her press secretary stint, Leavitt had a long history with Trump, serving as an assistant press secretary and speech writer during his first term. She also worked as communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik.
In 2022, Leavitt ran for Congress in New Hampshire; she won the Republican primary but was defeated by Democrat Chris Pappas. She was later a spokesperson for Maga Inc., a pro‑Trump fundraising group, before joining Trump's 2024 campaign as national press secretary.
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