Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary, will leave her role at the end of August, US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Trump shared on social media that Leavitt is departing "so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family," a decision he said he "totally understand[s] and respect[s]." He added that Leavitt "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."

Leavitt, 28, has been a fiercely loyal defender of Trump, known for her fluent and aggressive performances during often combative press briefings. She recently returned to work after maternity leave following the birth of her second child, a daughter named Viviana, in May.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Leavitt explained her decision: "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."

Before joining Trump's 2024 campaign, Leavitt worked as a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to incumbent Democratic Representative Chris Pappas.

Leavitt said she has "relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people hear the truth about President Trump’s successes."

Sources