KEY TAKEAWAYS
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 28, will depart her position by end of August to focus on family
- President Trump praised Leavitt’s tenure and confirmed she will transition to senior advisory role in his political operation
- Leavitt established herself as aggressive defender of administration, reshaping White House media strategy since January 2025
- Replacement announcement pending as midterm elections approach in November 2026
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her position by the end of August, marking a significant shift in the administration’s communications apparatus just months before the critical 2026 midterm elections.
Trump Praises Departing Press Secretary
At 28 years old, Leavitt became the youngest person to ever serve as White House Press Secretary when she assumed the role in January 2025. Trump issued a statement expressing his confidence in her work and support for her decision.
“Karoline has been one of my most trusted aides and has done an outstanding job as White House Press Secretary,” Trump said. “She has decided that it’s time to spend more time with her young children and her family, and I fully support that decision. She will remain a top adviser and continue to play a vital role in our movement.”
Leavitt’s Aggressive Media Strategy
During her tenure, Leavitt established herself as a combative and highly visible defender of the administration’s policies. Her press briefings frequently featured forceful pushback against reporters, challenging what she characterized as misleading or hostile questioning directed at the president.
Leavitt spearheaded a strategic overhaul of White House media relations, significantly expanding access to conservative and digital media outlets while implementing modifications to traditional press-access protocols involving the White House Correspondents Association.
“This approach ensures that the American people hear directly from this administration through diverse media channels,” a White House official noted, defending the communications restructuring that prioritized direct channels over traditional gatekeepers.
Transition to Political Advisory Role
Trump confirmed that Leavitt will not disappear from the political landscape entirely. Instead, she will transition to a senior advisory position within his political operation, maintaining significant influence during the midterm cycle.
“Karoline will continue as one of my top outside advisers as we head into the midterm elections,” Trump stated, signaling her continued prominence in Republican strategy and messaging despite stepping back from her official government role.
Leavitt recently returned to full press secretary duties following maternity leave after welcoming her second child, a daughter, in May. She is also mother to a young son.
Successor Search Underway
The White House has not yet formally announced Leavitt’s replacement. Multiple names have circulated as potential contenders for the high-profile communications position, though no official selection has been made public. The timing of the transition places the successor search amid a politically sensitive period as the administration prepares for November’s midterm contests.
Fox News Digital / CelebBNews contributed to this report.