White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to Step Down, Transition to Top Outside Advisor

WASHINGTON — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is stepping down from her prominent role in the Trump administration at the end of August. President Donald Trump officially announced the transition on Wednesday, revealing that Leavitt is departing the daily press briefing podium to spend more time with her growing family following a recent maternity leave.

In a detailed statement shared on Truth Social, President Trump praised Leavitt’s tenure, calling her “one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office.” He noted that her departure is a personal decision to focus on her “beautiful young children and family,” a choice he stated he totally understands and respects.

Despite leaving the West Wing’s daily operations, Leavitt’s political career is far from over. President Trump confirmed that she will transition into a role as one of his “top outside advisers” and remain an “influential voice within the Republican Party.” The President emphasized that her continued guidance will be vital as the administration works to “defy history and conclusively win the midterm elections.”

Trump lauded her long-standing dedication, noting she has been a “real leader” who has done a “phenomenal job fighting for justice, liberty, and freedom since 2018,” including her pivotal work during his historic 2024 re-election campaign.

A Bittersweet Departure for Family and Future Fights

The decision to step aside comes shortly after Leavitt returned to work from maternity leave. She recently welcomed her second child, a daughter, and candidly addressed the intense demands of balancing the high-pressure communications job with motherhood.

In her official resignation statement, Leavitt described her past year and a half in the administration as the “honor and adventure of a lifetime.” She expressed deep gratitude for the extraordinary opportunities she was granted, from working in the Oval Office and traveling the globe to meet foreign leaders, to the distinct privilege of speaking on the President’s behalf. She also noted that she deeply “relished holding the liberal media accountable” and ensuring the public heard the truth regarding the administration’s successes.

However, the reality of the job’s relentless schedule ultimately influenced her choice. “The truth is, 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 to my two young children deserving while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House press secretary,” Leavitt wrote. “And that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life.”

Looking ahead, Leavitt made it clear that her political advocacy will continue unabated. Warning of an “existential threat from an increasingly extremist Democratic party,” she stated that her fight is simply “entering a new phase” and that she will remain a vocal advocate for the MAGA movement and the Republican Party.

From Congressional Candidate to the West Wing

Leavitt’s rapid ascent in Republican politics has been closely tied to the President’s political resurgence. After an unsuccessful congressional run in New Hampshire in 2022, she was quickly tapped to join Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign. Following his successful political comeback and second-term victory, she was appointed to lead the White House press office.

In her farewell remarks, Leavitt extended her thanks to the President, the First Lady, and the entire Trump family for their enduring kindness. She also specifically thanked White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for empowering her since her early days on the campaign trail, alongside the President’s cabinet, her dedicated staff, and her supportive husband and family.

Though she is leaving her post at the podium, Leavitt noted she looks forward to “cheering them on over the next two and a half years” as the administration continues its agenda.