White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Stepping Down in August

Karoline Leavitt is calling it quits as White House press secretary, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday. The 28-year-old official, who has become one of the administration’s most prominent and vocal figures, will leave the post at the end of August.

Trump said Leavitt is departing to focus on her family, while suggesting she’ll remain in Trump’s inner circle as a top outside adviser.

In a statement posted on social media, Leavitt acknowledged the grueling nature of the job. “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 managing the demands of the position, she wrote.

Leavitt recently returned from maternity leave following the May birth of her daughter, Viviana. The role of press secretary one of Washington’s most demanding communications posts left little room for the work-life balance she sought as a mother of two.

The 28-year-old made history when she took the job in January 2025, becoming the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary. During her tenure, she proved a fierce defender of Trump’s policies and a fixture at White House briefings.

Before her current role, Leavitt worked in Trump’s first administration and served as national press secretary for his 2024 campaign before joining his transition team.

Trump praised Leavitt’s performance and indicated she’ll continue supporting his political efforts from outside the White House. However, he has not yet named a successor.

Leavitt’s exit represents another shake-up for the administration’s communications operation. Alongside communications director Steven Cheung, she helped overhaul the White House media strategy to emphasize digital and nontraditional outlets.

Though stepping back from her official post, Leavitt won’t be disappearing entirely. As an outside adviser, she’ll stay plugged into Trump’s political operation while gaining the flexibility she needs as a working mother.