Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Aug 13: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her post at the end of August to spend more time with her family, US President Donald Trump has announced.
Leavitt, 28, who became the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary, has been one of Trump's most loyal and prominent defenders. She became known for her combative exchanges with journalists and forceful defence of the president's policies during White House briefings.
Announcing her departure on social media, Trump described Leavitt as one of his most trusted aides and said she would continue to serve as one of his top outside advisers and remain an influential voice within the Republican Party.
Leavitt said the decision was bittersweet, explaining that balancing the demanding responsibilities of the press secretary's office with motherhood had become increasingly difficult after the birth of her second child.
She and her husband Nicholas Riccio welcomed their daughter Viviana in May. Leavitt had recently returned to the White House after maternity leave and resumed her public duties at the podium.
In a statement following Trump's announcement, Leavitt thanked the president for giving her the opportunity to speak on his behalf from the White House podium. She also highlighted her role in defending the administration and challenging journalists she believed were unfair to Trump.
Leavitt's tenure was marked by a distinctly combative communication style. She frequently clashed with reporters during briefings, while the White House under her leadership also expanded access to non-traditional media outlets and social media personalities.
Her political career began during Trump's first presidency, when she worked in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence before becoming an assistant press secretary. She later worked for Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and served as a spokesperson for Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.
Trump selected Leavitt as White House press secretary after winning the 2024 presidential election. She took office in January 2025 and made history as the youngest person to hold the position.
Her departure comes ahead of the November midterm elections, with Trump indicating that she will continue supporting his administration and the Republican Party from outside the White House. No successor has yet been announced.