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Leavitt leaving press secretary role
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her role at the end of August to spend more time with family. She will continue as a top outside adviser to.
Background
Karoline Leavitt, 28, the youngest White House press secretary in history, announced she is stepping down at the end of August. President Trump said she is leaving to focus on her family, and she will remain an influential voice in the Republican Party ahead of the midterms.
How it unfolded
- May 2026Leavitt gave birth to her second child and took parental leave.
- Jul 23, 2026Leavitt returned to the White House and resumed press briefings.
- Aug 12, 2026President Trump announced on Truth Social that Leavitt would depart at the end of the month; Leavitt confirmed on X, citing family reasons.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- President Trump praised Leavitt as 'one of my most trusted aides' and said she will become a top outside adviser.
- Public
- Leavitt said serving as press secretary was 'the honor and adventure of a lifetime' and that she could not be the best mom while in the role.
Still unverified
Possible successors mentioned by NY Post are speculative and not confirmed.