White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart from 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 ahead of the upcoming midterm elections in November.
Leavitt will transition to the role of an external communications advisor and party operative, contributing to the shaping of the future direction of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, according to statements made 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 and her return from maternity leave.
Describing Leavitt as a significant asset in the White House, Trump praised her leadership in advocating for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom since 2018, notably during the Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Trump lauded Leavitt as one of the most outstanding White House Press Secretaries in the history of the office.
Reflecting on her tenure at the White House, Leavitt expressed that it had been a profound honor and an unforgettable adventure. She initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and later served as a transition spokesperson before assuming the role of White House press secretary, becoming the youngest individual to hold this position.
Trump has not disclosed any plans regarding Leavitt’s successor in this prominent role.
Former principal deputy press secretary to Trump, Harrison Fields, lauded Leavitt’s unique abilities, stating that few could match her fluency in understanding and communicating Trump’s vision effectively, along with her adeptness in managing the media landscape to resonate with the president’s audience.
During her tenure, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, orchestrated a shift in the administration’s approach to media relations, drawing both support from Trump’s allies and criticism from advocates of a free press. The administration implemented a new system for granting access to journalists, departing from the traditional setup overseen by the White House Correspondents’ Association. This move included the introduction of a specialized “new media” seat in the briefing room, offering increased visibility to podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms in covering presidential activities.
While some viewed this adjustment as a step towards acknowledging the evolving media landscape, others raised concerns about the potential for the administration to exploit this mechanism to reward favorable coverage from certain media outlets.