White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart at 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 as the November midterm elections approach. Leavitt will transition into the role of an external communications consultant and party strategist, contributing to the future direction of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, according to statements from both Leavitt and Trump.
In a social media update, 28-year-old Leavitt expressed her intention to dedicate more time to her young children. Following the birth of her second child in May, she recently returned from maternity leave. Trump praised Leavitt’s leadership within the White House since 2018, particularly highlighting her contributions to the 2024 Re-Election Campaign, referring to her as one of the most exceptional White House Press Secretaries in history.
Describing her tenure at the White House as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime,” Leavitt transitioned from serving on Trump’s 2024 campaign to becoming the White House press secretary, being the youngest individual appointed to this position. While Trump did not reveal plans for her successor, former principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields commended Leavitt’s ability to effectively communicate with Trump and strategically manage media interactions.
During her time in office, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, reshaped the administration’s engagement with the media. This transformation included the administration selectively granting access to journalists covering the president, departing from the established system managed by the White House Correspondents’ Association. Additionally, a new media seat was introduced in the briefing room, giving podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms enhanced coverage opportunities.
The administration’s approach drew varied responses, with some viewing it as an acknowledgment of evolving media trends, while others criticized it as a tool for influencing media coverage.
