Press secretary news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, 28, will leave at end of August to spend more.
She becomes a top outside adviser as Trump seeks to win the midterms.
Background
Karoline Leavitt, the youngest ever White House press secretary, announced her departure at the end of August to prioritize her family after recently returning from maternity leave following the birth of her second child in May. President Trump announced the news on Truth Social, praising her as one of his most trusted aides and stating she will continue as an outside adviser. Her exit comes less than three months before the midterm elections, prompting speculation about her successor.
How it unfolded
- May 2026Leavitt gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Viviana, and stepped away from duties in late April.
- Jul 23, 2026Leavitt returned to the White House podium for her first formal press briefing after maternity leave.
- Aug 12, 2026President Trump announced on Truth Social that Leavitt will depart at the end of the month to spend more time with family, and will become a top outside adviser.
- Aug 13, 2026Media reports speculate on possible successors, including Scott Jennings, Katie Miller, and Taylor Budowich.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- President Trump praised Leavitt as 'one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office' and respected her decision to prioritize family.
- Support
- White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles called Leavitt 'unmatched in her ability to deliver the President's message' and the 'greatest' press secretary.
- Caution
- Some observers note the timing of the departure, less than three months before midterms, raises questions about the administration's communications strategy.
Still unverified
The list of potential successors is based on media speculation and has not been confirmed by the White House.