Karoline Leavitt Departs Role as White House Press Secretary

Washington — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her position at the end of August to take on a role as a top outside adviser. President Trump announced this transition on Truth Social Wednesday.

The president stated that Leavitt’s departure focuses on her desire to spend more time with her family. Leavitt recently welcomed her second child, a daughter, in May and is returning to work after her maternity leave.

Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!

President Trump expressed profound gratitude to Leavitt for her contributions, labeling her as a key leader within the administration. He praised her efforts in promoting justice, liberty, and freedom since 2018, highlighting her role in the 2024 re-election campaign. The president announced that Leavitt would serve as a crucial outside advisor, influencing the Republican Party as they aim to succeed in the upcoming midterm elections.

Photograph: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaking to reporters in Washington, on July 23, 2026. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson.

The next successor as White House press secretary remains uncertain, as does the interim replacement. Leavitt has served since the start of President Trump’s second term.

In a personal note, Leavitt shared,

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.

Leavitt affirmed her commitment to supporting President Trump and advocating for the MAGA movement and the Republican Party in her new advisory capacity.