White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person to hold the role at age 28, will step down at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Leavitt recently returned to the White House after a brief leave following the birth of her second child in May.

Trump described Leavitt as one of his "most trusted aides" and praised her as "one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office." He said she will now serve as one of his top outside advisors and an influential voice within the Republican Party as they work to "defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections."

Leavitt herself stated in a social media post that since returning to the White House after her daughter's birth, she felt she could not be the best mother to her two young children while fulfilling the demanding role of Press Secretary. She called her decision to leave "bittersweet" and said she is embarking on a new chapter in her life.

Leavitt has been a visible advocate for Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement and worked in communications for MAGA Inc, a super PAC aligned with the movement. In 2021, she launched a bid to serve New Hampshire in the US House of Representatives. Her style at the White House podium has been described as "combative," with a reputation for clashing with reporters during briefings.

Her departure is part of a series of senior officials leaving Trump's second administration, following firings of figures such as former Attorney General Pam Bondi and ex-Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem earlier this year. Trump did not specify who would replace Leavitt in the role.

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Background

Leavitt's relationship with Trump continued after he lost the 2020 presidential election. She has been a prominent figure in the MAGA movement and a key communications voice for the Republican Party. Her departure comes less than three months before the 2026 midterm elections.

Sources