Leavitt Leaves the Lectern

Washington — One of President Donald Trump’s most visible and combative defenders is stepping away from the White House podium.

Karoline Leavitt will resign as White House press secretary at the end of August, concluding a turbulent and highly public 19-month tenure. Trump announced her departure on Wednesday, saying she wanted to spend more time with her two young children.

Leavitt, 28, recently returned from maternity leave after giving birth to a daughter in May. In her own statement, she called the decision “bittersweet,” explaining that the relentless demands of the position made it difficult to be the mother she wanted to be.

Her exit, however, will not remove her entirely from Trump’s political orbit.

Trump said Leavitt would become one of his leading outside advisers and remain an influential Republican voice heading into the 2026 midterm elections. Exactly what responsibilities she will assume—and whether the position will be formally structured or privately compensated—has not been disclosed.

Leavitt entered the history books in January 2025 when, at 27, she became the youngest White House press secretary ever appointed. She quickly established herself as an aggressive spokesperson who rarely backed away from confrontation.

From the briefing-room lectern, she defended Trump’s policies, attacked unfavorable coverage and frequently sparred with reporters. Her tenure also coincided with controversial changes to White House media access, including greater participation by influencers and independent outlets and restrictions affecting some traditional news organizations.

Supporters praised her as disciplined, forceful and fiercely loyal. Critics accused her of treating briefings as political combat rather than opportunities to provide clear government information.

Born in New Hampshire in 1997, Leavitt studied politics and communication at Saint Anselm College. She worked in Trump’s first administration, later served as communications director for Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik and unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2022. She returned as national press secretary for Trump’s 2024 campaign before joining the White House.

Leavitt is married to real estate businessman Nicholas Riccio. The couple has a young son and a newborn daughter.

Trump has not announced her successor. Her departure leaves the administration searching for another spokesperson capable of facing an often-hostile press corps while defending an unpredictable president during a consequential election season.