White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart from her position by the end of the month, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This move leaves the president without one of his key advisors as the November midterm elections approach.
Leavitt will transition into an external communications advisor and party operative, playing a role in shaping the future direction of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, as stated by both her and Trump. 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, a daughter, in May and recently returning from maternity leave.
Acknowledging Leavitt’s contributions, Trump praised her leadership in the White House since 2018, particularly during the Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024. He hailed her as one of the most exceptional White House Press Secretaries in history. In response, Leavitt described her tenure at the White House as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.”
Having initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and serving as a transition spokesperson, Leavitt went on to become the White House press secretary, becoming the youngest person to hold that position. Trump did not disclose any plans regarding her successor in this prominent role.
Former principal deputy press secretary for Trump, Harrison Fields, highlighted Leavitt’s unique skill in effectively communicating Trump’s message to the media and adeptly engaging with various audiences. During her tenure, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, brought about significant changes in the administration’s approach to media relations, receiving both praise and criticism.
Under their leadership, the Trump administration altered the traditional protocol for journalist access to the president, departing from the system established by the independent White House Correspondents’ Association. This shift included hand-picking journalists granted access to the president and introducing a designated “new media” seat in the briefing room, granting increased visibility to podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms covering presidential activities.
These changes were viewed differently by different stakeholders, with some praising them as a recognition of the evolving media landscape while others criticized them as a means for the administration to influence favorable media coverage.