Karoline Leavitt to Step Down as White House Press Secretary

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her post at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday. Leavitt, 28, the youngest person ever to hold the role, is departing to spend more time with her family after the birth of her second child in May Source: AP News. Trump said she will remain one of his "top outside advisors" and an "influential voice within the Republican Party" Source: BBC. Her departure comes as Trump's approval ratings are at a historic low, with voters expressing discontent over rising prices and the ongoing war with Iran Source: The Guardian.

Why she's leaving

Leavitt said in a social media post that she cannot be "the best mom" her two young children deserve while devoting the "constant time, energy, and attention" the job requires Source: NPR. She returned from maternity leave in July after giving birth to her daughter, Viviana, in May Source: Al Jazeera.

Her tenure

Leavitt, who took office in January 2025 at age 27, was known for her combative style and fierce defense of Trump's policies Source: CNA. She frequently clashed with reporters and expanded the briefing room to include bloggers and social media influencers Source: Al Jazeera. CNN notes she "understands the Trump id" and was a leader in the administration's assault on the Beltway press, making her "impossible to replace" Source: CNN.

What's next

Trump did not outline plans for a successor Source: AP News. Several Cabinet secretaries filled in for Leavitt during her parental leave Source: NPR. Leavitt said serving as press secretary was "the honor and adventure of a lifetime" Source: DW News.