White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to depart from her position by the end of the current month, as confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday. This transition will leave the president without one of his key advisors as the November midterm elections draw near.
Leavitt will transition into the role of an external communications advisor and political strategist, contributing to the future direction of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, as announced by both Leavitt and Trump in their respective statements. In a recent social media post, the 28-year-old Leavitt expressed her desire to dedicate more time to her young children, following the birth of her second child in May and her subsequent return from maternity leave.
Praising Leavitt’s contributions, Trump acknowledged her leadership within the White House, emphasizing her advocacy for justice, liberty, and freedom since 2018, including her significant role in the historic re-election campaign of 2024. Trump lauded Leavitt as one of the finest White House Press Secretaries in the history of the office.
Reflecting on her time at the White House, Leavitt described her tenure as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.” She initially joined Trump’s 2024 campaign and later transitioned to the position of White House press secretary, becoming the youngest individual to hold this role. However, Trump has not yet disclosed any plans regarding Leavitt’s successor for this prominent position.
Harrison Fields, former principal deputy press secretary to Trump, commended Leavitt, stating that few could match her prowess in effectively communicating Trump’s message to the media in a strategic and successful manner that resonated with the president’s audience.
During her tenure, Leavitt, alongside White House communications director Steven Cheung, orchestrated a transformation in the administration’s approach towards the media. This shift, which garnered praise from some of Trump’s supporters but criticism from advocates of a free press, included a departure from the traditional system overseen by the independent White House Correspondents’ Association. The administration began selectively granting access to journalists, thereby altering the established protocol for media coverage of the president.
One notable change implemented by the Trump administration was the creation of a designated “new media” seat in the briefing room, aimed at elevating the role of podcasts, newsletters, and emerging digital platforms in reporting on presidential activities. While some lauded this adjustment as an acknowledgment of the evolving media landscape, others raised concerns that it could be leveraged by the administration to reward favorable coverage from specific outlets.