Karoline Leavitt says she's leaving her role as press secretary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFQRtQtp880

Karoline Leavitt is leaving her position as White House press secretary at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday.

Why is she leaving?

Leavitt, 28, said the demanding nature of the job has made it difficult to balance her responsibilities with being the mother her two young children need. She recently returned from maternity leave after the birth of her second child.

Trump said he understood and respected her decision, praising Leavitt as one of his most trusted aides.

She isn't completely leaving Trump-world

Although Leavitt is stepping away from the White House, Trump said she will remain involved as one of his top outside advisers and continue to be an influential voice within the Republican Party.

That means her departure from the briefing room doesn't necessarily mark the end of her political career or relationship with the administration.

Youngest White House press secretary

Leavitt made history when Trump appointed her in 2024. At 27, she became the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary when she took office in January 2025.

Her tenure also brought changes to the traditional White House media strategy, including greater access for podcasters, social-media personalities and other nontraditional outlets.

Who will replace her?

Trump has not yet announced Leavitt's replacement. Her final day in the role is expected to be at the end of August.

Bottom line

After serving as one of the most visible faces of the Trump administration, Karoline Leavitt is stepping down as White House press secretary to spend more time with her young family. She is expected to remain politically active as an outside adviser to Trump.