White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to depart
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, is set to depart her position. President Donald Trump announced her decision, noting she will transition to a top outside advisor role and an influential voice within the Republican Party. Leavitt, who recently returned from maternity leave, cited family reasons for her departure. She cited the demanding duties of White House press secretary as incompatible with being the best mother to her two young children. At 28 years old, Leavitt is the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary. Her tenure began at the start of President Trump's second term in 2025. Before this role, Leavitt had a history in Republican politics and the Trump administration. She served as an assistant White House press secretary during President Trump's first term. Her career includes a role as communications director for former Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. Leavitt was the Republican nominee for New Hampshire's first congressional district in the 2022 midterm elections, though she was defeated. She later became a spokeswoman for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting President Trump, and press secretary for his 2024 presidential campaign. President Trump praised Leavitt, calling her "one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office" and noting her dedication to justice, liberty, and freedom since 2018. Her departure comes less than three months before the midterm elections. Her successor has not yet been announced, but Leavitt's move to an external advisory capacity signifies her continued involvement in the political landscape.
