US president Donald Trump has announced that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her role at the end of August to spend more time with her family.In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Leavitt as “one of my most trusted aides” and said he “totally understand[s] and respect[s]” her decision. He added that she would remain involved as one of his “top outside advisors” and an influential voice in the Republican Party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.“Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!” Trump wrote.“Karoline has been one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office. Thank you, Karoline, for a job well done!”Leavitt, 27, has served as press secretary since January 2025 and became the youngest person to hold the position. In her own statement, she described the role as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime” and thanked Trump for giving her the opportunity to serve in the White House.“Being a mother and welcoming a new baby while working in one of the most demanding jobs in the world has been the most rewarding yet challenging season of my life, to say the least,” she wrote.Leavitt said she had realised that she could not be “the best mom my two young children deserve” while giving the role the “constant time, energy, and attention” it required.“That is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life,” she said.Leavitt also confirmed that Trump had asked her to continue working as a top outside adviser. She said she would remain “a vocal advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party”.Leavitt began working in Republican politics after college. She worked for Trump during his first administration as a presidential writer and assistant press secretary before becoming communications director for Republican Representative Elise Stefanik.
