politics
Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House press secretary, Trump says
US president announced departure on social media, saying Leavitt was leaving to ‘spend more time’ with family
TL;DR
- Karoline Leavitt is stepping down as White House press secretary at the end of August.
- Donald Trump announced her departure on social media, citing her desire to spend more time with her family.
- Leavitt, who recently returned from maternity leave after giving birth to her daughter Viviana in May, felt she could not fulfill the demands of the role while being the best mother.
- Trump stated Leavitt will become one of his top outside advisors.
- Leavitt, the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary upon Trump's return in January 2025, previously worked for Trump's administration and his 2024 campaign.
- Her briefings often defended Trump, criticized Democrats and the media, and kept factcheckers busy with claims rated false by Politifact.
- Trump and his allies praised Leavitt's communication skills and effectiveness, while Democrats offered critical remarks.
- Trump has not yet named a successor, having had four press secretaries during his first term.