Why Karoline Leavitt Is Leaving Trump’s White House After Just Returning From Maternity Leave

Karoline Leavitt is stepping down from her high profile role as White House press secretary at the end of August. President Donald Trump shared the news himself on Wednesday, explaining that she wants to spend more time with her beautiful young children and family. He called it a decision he totally understands and respects.

Leavitt only recently returned to the White House after maternity leave following the birth of her second child, a daughter, in May. She also has a two year old son. In her own message on X she opened up about the real reason behind the move. She said serving as press secretary has been the honor and adventure of a lifetime.

Being a mother and welcoming a new baby while handling one of the most demanding jobs in the world has been the most rewarding yet challenging season of her life. The truth is that since coming back to the White House after her daughter’s birth she has felt in her heart that she cannot be the best mom her two young children deserve while giving the constant time, energy and attention the job requires. That is why she made the bittersweet decision to leave and start a new chapter.

Trump praised her heavily. He said she will now serve as one of his top outside advisors and an influential voice in the Republican Party as they work to win the midterm elections. He called her a real leader in the White House who has done a phenomenal job fighting for justice, liberty and freedom since 2018, including during the 2024 reelection campaign. In his words she has been one of the best White House press secretaries in the history of the office.

At 28, Leavitt made history as the youngest person ever to hold the position when she took the job last year. Before that she worked as a press aide in Trump’s first administration, served as his 2024 campaign spokesperson, and once ran for Congress in New Hampshire. No replacement has been named yet. During her maternity leave other officials including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stepped in to handle briefings.