White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will resign from her post at the end of this month, President Donald Trump announced.

Leavitt, 28, who became the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary last year, is stepping down to dedicate more time to her young children and family. Trump described her as one of his "most trusted aides" and said he fully respects her decision.

In a social media statement, Trump added that Leavitt will continue to play a significant role as one of his top outside advisors and an influential figure within the Republican Party.

Leavitt expressed gratitude for her tenure, calling it "the honor and adventure of a lifetime." She highlighted the challenges of balancing motherhood—welcoming a new baby—and managing one of the most demanding jobs in politics. She said this balance led her to the "bittersweet decision" to leave her White House role and begin a new chapter.

Career Highlights

  • Leavitt initially worked with Trump during his first term as assistant press secretary and speechwriter.
  • She later served as communications director for New York Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
  • In 2022, Leavitt won a contested Republican primary but lost the general congressional election in New Hampshire.
  • She was a spokesperson for the pro-Trump fundraising group Maga Inc before joining Trump's 2024 campaign as national press secretary.

Her tenure was marked by a notable shift in press relations, including the White House assuming control of the press pool from the White House Correspondents' Association and initially barring the Associated Press over disputes regarding terminology.

Leavitt was praised by supporters for her unwavering defense of Trump policies and her strong presence in press briefings.

She is the second longest-serving press secretary in Trump's administrations, after Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Her departure leaves the position open, with no immediate replacement announced.

During Leavitt's maternity leave earlier this year, various senior Trump officials, including Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, handled press duties.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, a close friend and admirer, said Leavitt's story is just beginning and expressed enthusiasm for their ongoing collaboration.