Trump announces Karoline Leavitt will leave White House Press Secretary role

US President Donald Trump announced that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt would be stepping down at the end of the month. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called Leavitt one of his "most trusted aides" and expressed his understanding and respect for her decision. Trump stated that Leavitt would continue to serve as an influential voice within the Republican Party and as one of his top outside advisers after leaving the White House press secretary position.

He praised her performance as press secretary, describing her as a "real leader" and one of the best in the history of the office. Trump also highlighted her role in his successful 2024 re-election campaign. Leavitt's departure comes as Trump and Republicans prepare for the upcoming midterm elections. Leavitt herself stated that she wanted to spend more time with her young children and family.

She described serving as Trump's press secretary as the "honor and adventure of a lifetime" and thanked Trump for the opportunity. However, she also noted that her decision was "bittersweet" as it would allow her to focus on her children. Leavitt, a longtime Trump ally, had previously worked in his first-term press office and during his 2024 presidential campaign.

As White House press secretary, she had revived regular press briefings and expanded access for right-wing and pro-Trump media outlets. Trump did not announce a direct successor to Leavitt's position, indicating that she would remain an important figure in his political operation.