Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House press secretary at the end of this month, according to US President Donald Trump. Leavitt, known for her strong support of the MAGA movement, announced her decision to leave the position to spend more time with her young children and family.
Trump shared the news on his Truth Social platform, expressing understanding and respect for her choice. Leavitt has served as the youngest-ever White House press secretary since January 2025, starting her tenure at age 27.
Background and Career
At 28 years old, Leavitt recently returned from parental leave following the birth of her second child in May. She is a mother of a two-year-old son and a daughter. Originally aspiring to be a journalist, Leavitt moved into politics, joining the White House press office during Trump’s first term and working under then-press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.
After the 2020 presidential election, she worked for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a Republican supporter of Trump. Leavitt also ran unsuccessfully for a House of Representatives seat in 2022 and served as spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC backing Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign team.
Reflections on Her Time as Press Secretary
In her farewell message posted on X, Leavitt described her time as press secretary as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.” She expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded to her, including working in the West Wing, spending time in the Oval Office, meeting global leaders, and traveling across the United States.
Leavitt cited the challenges of balancing motherhood with the demands of her role as a key reason for her departure. Despite leaving the White House, she is expected to remain one of Trump’s top outside advisors and an influential figure within the Republican Party.
Role and Reputation
Leavitt has been a prominent and vocal defender of Trump’s policies and ideology throughout her tenure, sometimes making controversial claims in press briefings. Her first press conference included an inaccurate statement about US taxpayer funds allegedly earmarked for buying condoms in Gaza.
She consistently defended Trump’s positions and deflected inquiries regarding sensitive topics, including his alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Known for criticizing mainstream media outlets in line with Trump’s adversarial stance, Leavitt earned praise from Trump, who called her one of the best White House press secretaries in the history of the office.
