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.