Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Trump Announces Karoline Leavitt's Departure as White House Press Secretary
Karoline Leavitt is the person who talks to reporters for the President of the United States, a job called White House Press Secretary.
She was the youngest person ever to have this job.
She has two young children, including a baby girl born in May and a two-year-old son.
Since she came back to work after her baby was born, she felt she could not be the best mom while doing such a demanding job.
So she decided to leave her job at the end of August, calling it a 'bittersweet decision.'
President Donald Trump announced her departure and said he totally understands and respects her choice.
He said she is one of his most trusted aides and one of the best press secretaries in history.
Leavitt will keep helping Trump from outside the White House and stay an influential Republican voice.
No one has been chosen yet to take her place.
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will depart her role at the end of August.
Leavitt called the decision 'bittersweet,' saying she cannot be the best mom her two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy and attention the job requires.
Trump called Leavitt, 28, one of his 'most trusted aides' and 'one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office.'
The youngest-ever press secretary will remain one of Trump's top outside advisors and an influential Republican voice ahead of the November midterm elections.
No successor has been named; The Wall Street Journal reported White House counsel David Warrington is among the names being considered.
- Who
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt; her departure was announced by President Donald Trump.
- What
- Leavitt is stepping down at the end of August to spend more time with her young children and family, and will continue as one of Trump's top outside advisors and an influential Republican voice.
- When
- Announced Wednesday; effective at the end of August.
- Where
- The White House, Washington.
- Why
- Leavitt said she cannot be the best mom to her two young children while devoting the constant time, energy and attention the role requires, especially after returning from maternity leave.
Administration's framing
Critical context
Assessment of Leavitt's tenure
Administration's framing
Trump called Leavitt one of his 'most trusted aides' and 'one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office,' praising her 'phenomenal job' fighting for 'Justice, Liberty, and Freedom' since 2018.
Critical context
Her tenure was marked by frequent clashes with journalists, and her claim that 'tariffs are a tax cut for the American people' was rated false by PolitiFact.
Timing and significance of the departure
Administration's framing
Leavitt is leaving so she can spend more time with her young children and family, a decision Trump says he 'totally understand[s] and respect[s].'
Critical context
Her departure comes as Trump's approval rating sits at a historic low, with voters in surveys expressing discontent over rising prices and a war in Iran.
- Current Role
- White House Press Secretary
- Age
- 28; youngest-ever press secretary, taking the role at 27 and beating Ronald Ziegler (29)
- Departure
- End of August (announced Wednesday)
- Tenure
- Since January 2025 (about a year and a half)
- Reason for Departure
- To spend more time with her young children and family
- Next Role
- Top outside advisor to President Trump; influential Republican voice
- Family
- Husband Nicholas Riccio; daughter Viviana (born in May); two-year-old son Niko
- Successor
- Not yet named; The Wall Street Journal reports David Warrington, Will Scharf, Steven Cheung and Abigail Jackson were under discussion
Sources
Karoline Leavitt To Leave White House Press Secretary Post, Continue As President Trump Adviser Ahead Of 2026 Midterm Elections
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to leave at month’s end
Trump Announces Leavitt’s Departure as White House Press Secretary
Karoline Leavitt resigns as White House press secretary
Karoline Leavitt steps down as White House Press Secretary; Trump calls her 'most trusted aide'
'Now one of my top outside advisors': Karoline Leavitt quits as Trump's Press Secretary
Karoline Leavitt to leave White House press secretary post at month-end - Telegraph India
Trump Announces Karoline Leavitt Will Leave White House Press Secretary Role At Month-End
Karoline Leavitt To Exit White House: Who Could Take Over As Trump’s Press Secretary?
Trump announces major White House shakeup: Karoline Leavitt departs Press Secretary role at month’s end
