Trump says Karoline Leavitt will leave White House press secretary role, become outside advisor

President Donald Trump announced that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her role at the end of the month to spend more time with her family.

Leavitt confirmed her departure in a lengthy post on X, saying she made the “bittersweet decision” after concluding she could not balance the demands of serving as press secretary with being the mother she wants to be to her two young children.

“Serving as the White House Press Secretary over the past year and a half has been the honor and adventure of a lifetime,” Leavitt wrote.

Leavitt thanked Trump for giving her the opportunity to work in the West Wing, travel and represent his administration from the White House briefing room.

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“Most of all, I am thankful to the President for entrusting me with the distinct privilege of speaking on his behalf at the White House podium. I have spoken with great pride about the many historic accomplishments of this Administration, and I have relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people hear the truth about President Trump’s successes.”

Leavitt said becoming a mother again while holding one of the White House’s most demanding public-facing jobs ultimately drove her decision to leave.

“Being a mother and welcoming a new baby while working in one of the most demanding jobs in the world has been the most rewarding yet challenging season of my life, to say the least. The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary — and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life.”

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Leavitt said she will remain involved with Trump and Republican politics after leaving the White House.

“President Trump has asked me to continue serving as a top advisor to him on the outside, and I will always remain a vocal advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party.”

She also made clear that she plans to remain politically active.

“My fight is entering a new phase, but it is far from over.”

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Leavitt, 28, became the youngest White House press secretary in history when Trump returned to office in January 2025. She previously served as national press secretary for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and worked in the White House press office during his first administration.

Leavitt recently returned to the White House after taking leave following the birth of her second child, a daughter, in May.

Trump separately praised Leavitt in announcing her departure, calling her one of his most trusted aides and saying she would become one of his top outside advisors.

“Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!” Trump said.

“Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections.”

Trump praised Leavitt’s work in the White House and on his political campaigns.

“Karoline has been a real leader in the White House, and has done a phenomenal job fighting for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom, since 2018, including our Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Karoline has been one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office. Thank you, Karoline, for a job well done!”

Vice President JD Vance also praised Leavitt following the announcement, pointing to both her effectiveness as press secretary and the demands of the job for a young parent.

“Karoline Leavitt has one of the hardest jobs in the Administration — dealing with the relentless attacks from the fake news media. She did the job with grace, wit and a smile on her face. She’s been one of the most effective voices in articulating and defending the President’s agenda, and I’m incredibly grateful to her.”

Vance said he understood the challenges Leavitt faced balancing the position with raising a family.

“I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Karoline over the past few years, and I know how difficult yet rewarding a constant job like this can be for a young parent. We’re sad to see her go, but I know she’ll continue to do great things.”

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles called Leavitt “nothing short of extraordinary” and praised her ability to balance her professional and family responsibilities.

“You have taken on one of the toughest jobs in Washington with confidence, discipline, grace and an unmatched ability to deliver the President’s message. Simply put, you are the greatest @PressSec.”

Wiles also praised Leavitt as a wife and mother and said she was “excited to see what your next chapter looks like.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also wished Leavitt and her family well following the announcement.

“Karoline has been a critical part of President Trump’s team and has played a pivotal role in the historic accomplishments of the most transparent administration in American history. Wishing her and her family nothing but the best in their next chapter!”

FBI Director Kash Patel also praised Leavitt and pointed to her next chapter.

“Thank you, Karoline. A true friend and one of the greatest to ever stand at that podium,” he wrote on X. “You handled the job with strength and clarity. Grateful for everything you gave this fight. Excited for what’s next. -DKP”

Erika Kirk also congratulated Leavitt on her tenure, praising her as an example for young Americans and supporting her decision to prioritize her family.

“Family always comes first. There is wisdom and strength in knowing what season God is calling you into and having the courage to follow it.”

Kirk thanked Leavitt for her service and said she was eager to see what comes next.

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“Your family is blessed to have you and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for you next.”

Trump did not immediately name a successor to Leavitt as White House press secretary.