WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has announced that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her position at the end of August, marking a significant change for the administration’s communications operation less than three months before the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump announced Leavitt’s departure on Wednesday, describing her as one of his most trusted aides and saying she had decided to step away so she could spend more time with her young children and family. He expressed support for the decision and indicated that Leavitt would remain closely connected to his political operation after leaving the White House.
Leavitt, 28, made history when she became the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary. She took over the position at the beginning of Trump’s second administration in January 2025 after previously working on his 2024 campaign and serving in communications roles during his first administration.
During her tenure, Leavitt became one of the most recognizable public faces of the Trump administration. Her briefings were frequently combative, with the press secretary often aggressively defending the president’s policies while challenging reporters over questions she believed were unfavorable or misleading.
She also played a prominent role in the administration’s effort to broaden its relationship with conservative and digital media outlets. The White House moved away from some traditional press-access practices, including changes involving the White House Correspondents Association and the makeup of the press pool. Supporters praised the strategy as an effort to give greater access to alternative media, while critics argued that it reduced the role of traditional news organizations.
Leavitt recently returned to the White House podium after taking maternity leave following the birth of her second child, a daughter, in May. She also has a young son. In announcing her departure, Leavitt characterized the decision as difficult but emphasized her desire to devote more time to her family.
Despite leaving her official government position, Leavitt is not expected to disappear from Republican politics. Trump said she would become one of his top outside advisers and continue to be an influential voice within the Republican Party as the administration prepares for the November midterm elections.
The White House has not yet announced who will replace Leavitt as press secretary. Several names have reportedly emerged as potential contenders, but no successor has been formally selected. The decision could become an important one as the administration enters a politically sensitive period leading into the midterms.
Leavitt’s departure brings an end to a highly visible chapter of Trump’s second-term communications strategy. While she is leaving the briefing room, her continued role as an outside adviser means her influence within Trump’s political movement is likely to continue.
