Karoline Leavitt will leave her position as White House Press Secretary at the end of August to spend more time with her two young children, but she will continue to work closely with President Donald Trump as one of his top external advisors and will maintain an active role within the Republican Party.
Trump himself announced on Wednesday the departure of Leavitt via Truth Social, while Associated Press reported that the 28-year-old official had recently returned to the White House after a short leave for the birth of her second child.
Leavitt is the youngest person to have held the position of presidential press secretary.
Trump explained that Leavitt "will leave his position at the end of the month to spend more time with his beautiful young children and family," a decision he said he fully understands and respects.
The president, however, indicated that his departure from the White House will not mean a distancing from his political circle.
"Karoline will now become one of my main external advisors and an influential voice within the Republican Party," Trump stated, noting that he will rely on her as Republicans work to win the midterm elections.
Trump praised the work of the young spokesperson extensively and described her as one of his most trusted collaborators.
He also claimed that she has been "a true leader in the White House" and placed her among the best press secretaries that, in his opinion, have served the U.S. presidency.
Leavitt explained that the decision is directly related to her motherhood and the challenges of balancing the demands of her position with caring for her two children.
"Since I returned to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom that my two young children deserve while dedicating the constant time, energy, and attention that it takes to be White House Press Secretary," she expressed.
For that reason, he described his decision to leave the position and begin a new chapter in his life as "bittersweet."
Her daughter Viviana, affectionately known as "Vivi," was born on May 1st. The spokesperson had worked until just a few days before giving birth and then took a leave to be with her family.
Viviana is the second child of Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio. The couple also has Nicholas Robert "Niko," born in July 2024. After that first delivery, Leavitt quickly returned to Trump's presidential campaign amidst the intense electoral race of that year.
During her recent maternity leave, several high-ranking officials from the administration temporarily took on appearances before the press.
The Secretary of State Marco Rubio was among those who stood on the podium at the White House while Leavitt stayed away from her duties.
Leavitt has maintained a close political relationship with Trump for several years.
Before becoming the press secretary, she worked as spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a political committee that supported the Republican, and later joined his 2024 presidential campaign.
Her experience in Washington began during Trump's first term, when she worked in the presidential press office. She later served as the communications director for Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
Leavitt also attempted to reach Congress in 2022 from New Hampshire. He won a Republican primary against several candidates, but lost the general election to Democrat Chris Pappas.
Trump did not announce who will replace Leavitt as White House press secretary.
Related videos:
Filed under: