Aug 12, 2026

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to Depart Role End of August

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in world

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Washington, D.C. – August 12, 2026 — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her post at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday, citing her desire to spend more time with her young children and family.

In a statement shared by the official White House account and posted on Truth Social, Trump praised Leavitt as “one of my most trusted aides” and “one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office.”

“Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!”

Trump wrote. “Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections.”

Family Comes First

Leavitt, 28, became the youngest White House press secretary in history when she took the role. She welcomed her second child, a daughter, in May 2026 and recently returned to the podium after maternity leave.

In her own statement, Leavitt described the decision as “bittersweet.” She said that while serving as Press Secretary had been “the honor and adventure of a lifetime,” the demands of the job made it impossible to be the mother her two young children deserve.

“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 wrote.

“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.”

Continuing the Fight Outside the White House

onfirmed that Leavitt will transition into a top outside advisory role and remain a prominent voice in the Republican Party.

Leavitt herself pledged to stay active in the MAGA movement and the broader fight for what she described as American values.

She expressed deep gratitude to the President, First Lady Melania Trump, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, her White House colleagues, and the Trump family for the opportunities she received, including time in the West Wing, Oval Office, and international travel.

A Defining Tenure

Leavitt first joined Trump’s orbit in 2018 and played a significant role in the 2024 re-election campaign.

As Press Secretary, she became known for her combative style in the briefing room, frequent defense of the administration’s agenda, and willingness to confront reporters she viewed as adversarial.

Her departure marks another high-profile personnel change in the second Trump administration. No successor has yet been named.

As Leavitt prepares to step away from daily briefings, she leaves with the President’s public endorsement and a continued seat at the table as an outside adviser during a critical midterm election cycle.