Surprise departure: Karoline Leavitt to exit White House Press Secretary role

Washington — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who is the youngest individual to ever hold the position, will be departing the Trump administration at the conclusion of the month. She made the decision to step down in order to dedicate more time to her young family. Leavitt, who is currently 28 years old, expressed her decision via a social media post on Wednesday, moments after President Donald Trump announced her exit.

She recently returned to the White House podium following the birth of her second child, a daughter named Viviana, in May. Leavitt also has a 2-year-old son. She stated in her post: "The truth is 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 — and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life."

President Trump did not disclose any plans regarding a potential successor for the high-profile role. He conveyed his understanding of her decision through a separate social media post.