Karoline Leavitt to leave White House press secretary role, will serve as senior advisor

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her role at the end of the month and move into a senior advisory position, President Donald Trump announced on social media. Trump said Leavitt would “remain a senior advisor” and described her as “one of my most trusted aides.”

Departure and reasons given

In his post, Trump said Leavitt would be departing to “spend more time with her beautiful young children and family.” He added that “Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party.”

Leavitt’s statement

Leavitt posted her own message on social media when her departure was announced. She wrote:

“I am thankful to the President for entrusting me with the distinct privilege of speaking on his behalf at the White House podium.”

She also said she had “relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people hear the truth about President Trump’s successes.” Leavitt wrote that after returning to the White House following the birth of her daughter, “I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve” while also devoting the attention needed as press secretary.

Background and tenure

Leavitt, aged 28, was described in the announcement as the youngest ever US presidential top spokesperson. She previously served in Trump’s press office during his first term and worked as his spokesperson during the 2024 election campaign.

Her time as press secretary saw a revival of regular briefings. The role also brought notable changes in White House relations with the press: in February 2025 she announced that the White House itself would choose which reporters could cover Trump up close in the Oval Office and on Air Force One, and she facilitated press credentials for right-wing, pro-Trump media outlets.

Recent personal events and timing

Leavitt announced the birth of her second child, a girl named Viviana, in May. The announcement followed a period in which she delayed maternity leave after an alleged assassination attempt when a gunman tried to storm the White House correspondents dinner. Her departure comes weeks after returning to the job.

Political history and outlook

Raised in New Hampshire, where her family ran an ice cream shop, Leavitt has a recent political record that includes a 2017 letter to her university newspaper protesting a professor’s criticism of Trump and an unsuccessful 2022 run for Congress in New Hampshire on a pro-Trump, pro-gun ownership platform.

After the 2024 campaign, Leavitt said:

“our country is facing an existential threat from an increasingly extremist Democrat Party that seeks to destroy everything great about America.”

She added:

“My fight is entering a new phase, but it is far from over.”

Context

The announcement comes as President Trump faces falling poll numbers and as the Republican Party risks defeat in the November midterm congressional elections.