By Paul Joseph
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced her decision to leave the Trump administration at the end of August, saying the demands of the high-profile position have made it difficult for her to give her two young children the attention they deserve.
President Donald Trump announced Leavitt’s departure on Wednesday US time, praising the 28-year-old press secretary and revealing that she would continue to serve as one of his top advisers from outside the White House.
Trump also indicated that Leavitt would remain active within the Republican Party as the administration and party prepare for the 2026 midterm elections.
In a statement announcing her departure, Leavitt described her tenure as White House press secretary as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime,” expressing gratitude to Trump for giving her the opportunity to speak on his behalf.
She said the role allowed her to work in the West Wing, spend time in the Oval Office, travel internationally and meet foreign leaders, while also visiting different parts of the United States.
Leavitt, however, said motherhood had changed her perspective on the demanding nature of the position.
“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,” she said.
She gave birth to her second child, a daughter, in May and returned to the White House podium on July 16 after maternity leave.
According to Leavitt, returning to work ultimately convinced her that she could not adequately balance the demands of the press secretary’s office with her responsibilities as a mother.
“The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary,” she said.
She described her decision to leave as “bittersweet,” saying it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Despite stepping down from her official White House position, Leavitt said Trump had asked her to continue working with him as a senior adviser outside the administration.
She also vowed to remain politically active and continue supporting Trump’s political movement and the Republican Party.
“My fight is entering a new phase, but it is far from over,” Leavitt said.
Leavitt became the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary when Trump appointed her at the age of 27. During her tenure, she became one of the administration’s most prominent public figures, regularly defending Trump’s policies and engaging with reporters during White House briefings.
Her departure comes as Republicans prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, with Trump indicating that Leavitt would remain involved in efforts to strengthen the party’s political prospects.
In her farewell statement, Leavitt thanked Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, members of the Trump family, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, administration officials, colleagues and her staff.
She also expressed particular appreciation to her husband and wider family for the sacrifices they made to enable her to serve in the White House.
Leavitt said her decision was ultimately driven by her desire to devote more time and attention to her children while continuing her political activities in a different capacity.
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