White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is leaving her position after about a year and a half, saying the demands of the job have made it difficult to give her two young children the time and attention she believes they deserve.
Leavitt announced her decision in a statement Wednesday, Aug. 12, thanking President Donald Trump for the opportunity to serve in the White House while making clear that she plans to remain active in his political orbit.
Her departure comes after she returned to the White House following maternity leave for the birth of her daughter.
Leavitt Says Family Influenced Her Decision
Leavitt said becoming a mother while holding one of the most demanding jobs in Washington has been both rewarding and challenging.
After returning to work following the birth of her daughter, she said she realized she could not be the mother she wanted to be while continuing to devote the constant time and energy required of the White House press secretary.
That realization ultimately led her to make what she described as a bittersweet decision to leave the administration.
Leavitt thanked her husband and family for the sacrifices they made while she served in the administration.
Trump Wants Leavitt to Remain a Top Adviser
Leavitt’s departure does not represent a complete break with the Trump administration.
According to her statement, Trump has asked her to continue serving as a top adviser to him from outside the White House. She also said she intends to remain a vocal supporter of Trump, the MAGA movement and the Republican Party.
That means Leavitt is expected to remain involved in Trump’s political operation even after leaving the official White House communications team.
A High Profile White House Role
Leavitt became White House press secretary in January 2025 and quickly became one of the administration’s most recognizable public officials.
The press secretary serves as the White House’s primary spokesperson and regularly faces reporters during briefings concerning presidential policies, executive actions and major national developments.
Leavitt frequently defended Trump’s agenda while engaging directly with reporters during contentious White House briefings.
Her communication style also made her a prominent figure on social media and among Trump’s political supporters.
Leavitt’s Historic Place in the White House
When she took the job, Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in U.S. history.
Her position placed her at the center of the administration’s daily communications strategy during Trump’s second term.
Her departure will therefore create a significant vacancy in the White House communications operation, particularly as the administration approaches the 2026 midterm election season.
What Comes Next for the Press Secretary Role
The White House will now need to determine who will take over one of the administration’s most visible jobs.
No replacement was announced in Leavitt’s statement.
The next press secretary will inherit a role that involves managing the White House briefing room, communicating the administration’s message and responding to questions about the president’s agenda.
The timing could make the transition especially important as political attention turns toward the 2026 elections.
Leavitt’s Political Fight Continues
Although Leavitt is stepping away from the White House podium, she made clear that she does not consider her political work finished.
She described her departure as the beginning of a new phase and said she intends to continue advocating for Trump’s agenda and the Republican Party.
Her move could allow her to maintain a political profile while giving her more flexibility to spend time with her family.
A Different Kind of Washington Departure
Leavitt’s decision stands out because she is leaving one of the most demanding communications jobs in American government while remaining closely aligned with the president.
Her explanation also puts a personal focus on a typically political Washington story.
After roughly 18 months behind the White House podium, Leavitt is preparing to step away from the daily pressure of the press secretary’s office while continuing her work as a Trump adviser from outside the administration.
For the White House, the departure means finding a new face for its press operation. For Leavitt, it marks a shift toward a role that she says will allow her to balance political work with raising her two young children.