WASHINGTON — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to leave her position at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday, marking a major change to the administration’s communications team less than three months before the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump praised Leavitt as one of his most trusted aides, saying she had made the decision to step away from the demanding White House role to spend more time with her young children and family. He expressed support for her decision and indicated that she would remain involved in his political operation after leaving government.
At 28, Leavitt became the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary when she assumed the position at the beginning of Trump’s second administration in January 2025. She had previously worked on Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and held communications positions during his first administration.
During her tenure, Leavitt emerged as one of the administration’s most recognizable public figures. Her White House briefings were often highly confrontational, as she forcefully defended Trump’s policies and frequently challenged reporters over questions she considered inaccurate, unfair or misleading.
Leavitt also became a central figure in the administration’s effort to expand its relationship with conservative and digital media organizations. The White House implemented changes to traditional press-access practices, including adjustments involving the White House Correspondents’ Association and the composition of the press pool.
Supporters argued that the approach expanded access for alternative media outlets, while critics said it diminished the influence of established news organizations.
Leavitt recently returned to the briefing room after taking maternity leave following the birth of her second child, a daughter, in May. She also has a young son. In discussing her departure, Leavitt described the decision as difficult but emphasized her desire to devote more time to her family.
Although she will leave her official government position, Leavitt is expected to remain active in Republican politics. Trump said she would become one of his top outside advisers, potentially keeping her closely involved in the administration’s political strategy ahead of the November midterm elections.
The White House has not yet announced her replacement. Several individuals have reportedly been considered for the position, but no successor has been formally selected.
Her departure comes at a politically sensitive moment for the administration. Whoever takes over the briefing room will face the challenge of communicating Trump’s agenda while navigating an increasingly intense political environment leading into the midterms.
Leavitt’s exit therefore marks the end of a highly visible chapter in Trump’s second-term communications strategy — but not necessarily the end of her influence within his political movement.
