Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, where he praised Leavitt as both a trusted aide and a major figure in his administration.
“Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!” Trump wrote.
The president’s announcement makes clear that the departure is being framed as a family decision rather than a political rupture.
Leavitt will nevertheless remain an important part of Trump’s political operation. According to Trump, she will become one of his leading outside advisers at a pivotal moment for Republicans, with the 2026 elections rapidly approaching.
“Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections,” Trump wrote.
That new assignment could place Leavitt in a position to remain highly influential while giving her more flexibility away from the relentless schedule of the White House press office.
Since taking over as press secretary after Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, Leavitt has become one of the administration’s most recognizable public figures.
Her approach to the briefing room was notably more confrontational than the traditional style associated with the position. She frequently challenged reporters, pushed back against questions critical of the president and defended the administration’s policies with an aggressive message designed to reach Trump’s supporters directly.
The White House also sought to broaden media access, including opportunities for newer and alternative media organizations to participate in briefings.
For Trump, Leavitt’s loyalty and willingness to defend the administration made her an especially valuable member of his inner circle.
“Karoline has been a real leader in the White House, and has done a phenomenal job fighting for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom, since 2018, including our Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024,” Trump wrote.
Leavitt’s political career has advanced at remarkable speed.
At 28, she became the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary. Before returning to the White House, she had already built experience inside Trump’s political world and in Republican politics.
The New Hampshire native previously worked during Trump’s first administration before serving as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. She later launched her own congressional campaign in New Hampshire in 2022.
Although that campaign did not ultimately take her to Congress, it helped establish Leavitt as a rising Republican voice.
She subsequently joined Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign as national press secretary, becoming a prominent defender of the former president as he fought his way back to the White House.
After Trump won the 2024 election, Leavitt followed him back to Washington and assumed the press secretary position in January 2025.
Her tenure quickly attracted attention, particularly during tense exchanges with reporters at White House briefings.
Supporters viewed her willingness to confront the establishment media as a refreshing departure from the traditional approach. Critics, meanwhile, objected to her combative style and frequent clashes with members of the press.
Regardless of the criticism, Leavitt became a familiar face of the Trump administration and an important messenger for the president’s agenda.
Her departure therefore represents a significant change for the White House communications team—but Trump’s announcement indicates that her political role is far from over.
The president ended his message with another strong endorsement of his press secretary, making clear that he considers her tenure a success.
“Karoline has been one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office. Thank you, Karoline, for a job well done!” Trump wrote.
Trump did not immediately name Leavitt’s successor.
That decision will now become one of the next major personnel questions facing the White House as the administration moves toward the 2026 midterm elections.
For Leavitt, however, the next chapter appears to be taking shape outside the briefing room rather than away from national politics.
With Trump positioning her as a key outside adviser and an influential Republican voice, her role may soon shift from answering questions about the administration to helping shape the political strategy surrounding it.
And with the midterms approaching, Leavitt could remain very much in the spotlight—even without standing behind the White House podium.
