Karoline Leavitt will leave her position as White House Press Secretary at the end of August 2026. President Trump announced her departure in a Truth Social post, praising her as one of the best press secretaries in American history.
Why Karoline Leavitt Is Leaving the White House
Trump said Leavitt is stepping down so she can spend more time with her two young children and her family. He called this decision one that he fully understands and respects. Leavitt gave birth to her second child, a daughter, in May 2026, and she had only recently returned to work from maternity leave. According to NBC News, she is the youngest person to ever hold the role of White House Press Secretary.
What Karoline Leavitt Said About Her Decision
Leavitt shared her own statement on social media platform X. She said that being a mother while working one of the most demanding jobs in the world has been both rewarding and challenging. She explained that she cannot be the mom her children deserve while also giving the White House Press Secretary role the constant time and attention it needs. According to CNBC, she called her choice to leave a “bittersweet decision.”
Her New Role as Trump’s Outside Advisor
Trump confirmed that Leavitt will not leave politics completely. She will now work as one of his top outside advisors. Trump also said she will remain an influential voice within the Republican Party, especially as the party prepares for the November 2026 midterm elections. According to The Hill, Leavitt said she will always remain a vocal advocate for the MAGA movement and the Republican Party.
Timeline of Karoline Leavitt’s Career
Leavitt began her role as White House Press Secretary in January 2025, at the start of Trump’s second term. Before that, she worked as an assistant press secretary during Trump’s first term and later served as national press secretary during his 2024 campaign. She also ran for a House seat in New Hampshire in 2022 but lost to Democratic Representative Chris Pappas. According to NBC News, she was not new to the campaign world before entering the West Wing.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Ran for U.S. House seat in New Hampshire, lost the race |
| 2024 | Served as national press secretary for Trump’s campaign |
| January 2025 | Became White House Press Secretary |
| May 2026 | Gave birth to her second child |
| August 2026 | Announced departure from the role |
What Leavitt Handled During Her Time in Office
During her time as press secretary, Leavitt defended the White House through several major events. This included the Signalgate scandal, the release of the Epstein files, and the Iran war. According to Axios, she also supported the administration’s approach of opening press access to influencers and MAGA-friendly voices rather than limiting it.

Impact on the White House Press Operation
Leavitt’s exit comes at a sensitive time, with less than three months left before the midterm elections. Her departure marks a major change in the president’s press team. According to CNN, press briefings had already become less frequent during her maternity leave, with officials like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio filling in at the podium.
Who Will Replace Karoline Leavitt
As of now, no official replacement has been named. According to The Washington Post, White House staff were unsure who would take over the role shortly after the announcement was made. The president alone chooses this position, since it does not require Senate confirmation.
FAQ: Karoline Leavitt Steps Down as White House Press Secretary
Q: Is it true Karoline Leavitt is stepping down as White House Press Secretary?
Q: When did Trump announce the news, and where?
Q: When exactly is her last day?
Q: Why is Leavitt leaving?
She’s leaving to spend more time with her family, according to Trump. She recently returned from maternity leave after the birth of her second child, a daughter born May 1, and has said in her own statement that she felt she couldn’t be the mother her two young children deserve while handling the demands of the job.






















