White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart at the end of the month, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This move leaves Trump without one of his key advisors as the midterm elections in November approach.
Leavitt will transition to an external communications advisor and party strategist, contributing to the development of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, according to statements from both herself and the President. In a recent social media post, the 28-year-old Leavitt expressed her intention to dedicate more time to her young children, having welcomed her second child in May and just returned from maternity leave.
Describing Leavitt as a pivotal figure in the White House, Trump praised her for championing Justice, Liberty, and Freedom since 2018, particularly during the successful Re-Election Campaign of 2024. Leavitt, in turn, referred to her tenure at the White House as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.”
Having initially worked for Trump’s 2024 campaign and then serving as a transition spokesperson, Leavitt eventually assumed the role of White House press secretary. Notably, she was the youngest person ever appointed to this position. Trump has not yet disclosed any plans regarding Leavitt’s successor in this prominent position.
Former principal deputy press secretary to Trump, Harrison Fields, lauded Leavitt’s unique abilities, stating that she not only effectively communicated Trump’s message but also skillfully managed media relations to cater to the President’s audience.
During her tenure, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, reshaped the administration’s approach to media interactions, drawing praise from some of Trump’s supporters while facing criticism from advocates of a free press. The administration opted to select journalists for presidential access directly, departing from the previous system overseen by the independent White House Correspondents’ Association.
Moreover, the administration introduced a designated “new media” seat in the briefing room, allowing podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms a more prominent role in covering presidential activities. While some viewed this as a positive response to shifting media trends, others raised concerns that it could be exploited to reward media outlets with favorable coverage.
Overall, Leavitt’s impending departure marks a significant change within the White House communications team, with her legacy and impact on media relations likely to endure beyond her tenure.