‘Bittersweet Decision’: Karoline Leavitt Quits As White House Press Secretary, Trump Calls Her ‘Real Leader’

Last Updated:August 13, 2026, 07:29 IST

Leavitt described the move as a “bittersweet decision” in a social media post shortly after Trump’s announcement.

Karoline Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in US history when she took up the role in January 2025 at just 27. (X/@karolineleavitt)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who earned a reputation for acid putdowns of journalists, is set to step down from her role, saying the demands of the job and her responsibilities as a mother influenced her decision.

Leavitt, who became the youngest person to assume the role, will leave her role later this month, US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday. Leavitt described the move as a “bittersweet decision” in a social media post shortly after Trump’s announcement.

In a lengthy post on X, Leavitt described her tenure at the White House as “the honour and adventure of a lifetime” and thanked US President Trump for entrusting her with the role of speaking on behalf of the administration.

‘The Best Mom’

Leavitt said that balancing one of the most demanding jobs in Washington with raising her young children had been both rewarding and challenging. She revealed that after returning to work following the birth of her daughter, she felt she could not devote the time and attention required to be “the best mom” to her children while continuing as press secretary.

Calling the move a “bittersweet decision,” Leavitt said Trump had asked her to continue serving as a senior adviser outside the White House. She added that she would remain a vocal supporter of the “Make America Great Again” movement and the Republican Party.

During her statement, Leavitt also thanked First Lady Melania Trump, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, members of the cabinet, colleagues and staff for their support during her time in the administration.

Her departure marks a key personnel change in the Trump administration, though no announcement has yet been made regarding her successor.

‘One Of My Most Trusted Aides’, Says Trump

While announcing that Leavitt will leave her post at the end of August, US President Donald Trump praised the 28-year-old as “one of my most trusted aides”.

Trump said Leavitt would spend more time with her young children and family, while continuing to work as one of his top outside advisers. He also praised her performance as press secretary and said she had done a “phenomenal job” during his administration.

“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,” the US president wrote on Truth Social.

Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in US history when she took up the role in January 2025 at just 27.

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