White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced that she will leave the Trump administration at the end of the month, saying the demands of the position have made it difficult for her to give adequate attention to her two young children.
President Donald Trump confirmed the development on Wednesday and praised Leavitt for her service, describing her as one of the administration’s most effective communicators. The President said the 28-year-old would continue working with him as a senior outside adviser and remain an influential figure within the Republican Party as preparations intensify for the 2026 midterm elections.
In a statement announcing her departure, Leavitt described her tenure as White House press secretary as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.” She thanked President Trump for entrusting her with the responsibility of serving as the public face of the administration at the White House podium.
Leavitt said the role had given her extraordinary experiences, including working in the West Wing, spending time in the Oval Office, travelling internationally, meeting foreign leaders and interacting with Americans from diverse backgrounds across the United States.
“Most of all, I am thankful to the President for entrusting me with the distinct privilege of speaking on his behalf at the White House podium,” she said.
Throughout her time in office, Leavitt became known for her combative exchanges with reporters and her vigorous defence of President Trump’s policies. She said she took pride in communicating what she considered the administration’s achievements and in challenging media narratives she viewed as unfair.
“I have spoken with great pride about the many historic accomplishments of this Administration, and I have relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people hear the truth about President Trump’s successes,” she stated.
Leavitt said that becoming a mother while serving as White House press secretary had been both the most rewarding and the most challenging period of her life. She welcomed her second child, a daughter, in May and returned from maternity leave on July 16 to resume her duties.
According to her, the experience of returning to the demanding pace of the White House ultimately led her to conclude that she could not balance the responsibilities of the job with the kind of mother she wished to be.
“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,” she said.
Leavitt described the decision to step down as “bittersweet” but said it was necessary as she enters a new chapter of her life.
Despite leaving her formal government position, she made clear that she would remain politically active. She disclosed that President Trump had asked her to continue serving as a senior adviser from outside the administration.
“President Trump has asked me to continue serving as a top advisor to him on the outside, and I will always remain a vocal advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party,” she said.
Trump also indicated that Leavitt would play a role in Republican efforts to secure victories in the 2026 midterm elections, signalling that she is expected to remain closely involved in the party’s political strategy.
Leavitt made history when she became the youngest person ever appointed White House press secretary at the age of 27. During the first phase of Trump’s second term, she served as one of the administration’s most prominent spokespersons, regularly defending presidential decisions and responding to criticism from reporters and political opponents.
In her farewell statement, she emphasised that her departure from the White House did not mark the end of her political engagement.
“My fight is entering a new phase, but it is far from over,” she said, while arguing that Democrats continue to pose what she described as a serious challenge to the country’s future.
Leavitt also expressed gratitude to First Lady Melania Trump, the Trump family, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, members of the administration, colleagues and staff members with whom she worked during her tenure.
She reserved special thanks for her husband and family, acknowledging the sacrifices they made while she served in one of the most demanding positions in the federal government.
“And of course, thank you most especially to my loving and supportive husband and family for the sacrifices they made for me to serve in this role,” she said.
Her departure marks a significant transition in the White House communications team and comes at a time when the Trump administration is increasingly focused on legislative priorities and the political battles leading into the 2026 elections.
