White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart her position by the end of the month, as confirmed by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This move leaves the president without one of his key advisors as the November midterm elections draw near. Leavitt will transition into an external communications advisor and party operative, contributing to the shaping of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, according to statements from both Leavitt and Trump.
In a recent social media post, Leavitt, aged 28, expressed her intention to dedicate more time to her young children. Following the birth of her second child in May, she has just returned from maternity leave. Trump praised Leavitt for her leadership within the White House, highlighting her dedication to principles of Justice, Liberty, and Freedom since 2018, particularly during the Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024.
Leavitt described her tenure at the White House as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.” She initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and later served as a transition spokesperson before being appointed as the White House press secretary, becoming the youngest person to hold that position. Trump has not yet disclosed any plans regarding her successor in this prominent role.
Former principal deputy press secretary for Trump, Harrison Fields, commended Leavitt’s unique communication skills, stating that she excelled in understanding and effectively engaging with the media, especially catering to the president’s preferences.
During her time in office, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, oversaw a shift in the administration’s approach towards the media. This included a departure from the established system managed by the independent White House Correspondents’ Association, with the administration selectively granting access to journalists. The press pool’s composition, traditionally managed by the industry group to ensure consistent coverage of presidential activities, was altered by the creation of a dedicated “new media” seat in the briefing room. This move aimed to provide increased visibility to podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms in reporting on the presidency.
While some praised this adjustment as a response to evolving media trends, others criticized it, suggesting it could be leveraged by the administration to reward favorable coverage from certain outlets.
