White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is leaving her historic role at the end of August — and she has now shared the deeply personal reason why.
In a heartfelt social media post, the 28-year-old made it clear: after returning from maternity leave, she realized she could no longer give her two young children the time and attention they deserve while carrying one of the most demanding jobs in Washington.
Trump Announces the Departure
President Donald Trump broke the news first on Truth Social. He called Leavitt one of his “most trusted aides” and said she would step down “so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect.”
Trump praised her record, noting she would remain one of his top outside advisors and an influential voice in the Republican Party as the midterms approach. He described her as “one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office” and thanked her for a job well done.
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Leavitt’s Own Words: The Bittersweet Truth
Shortly after the president’s post, Leavitt published her full explanation on X. She called serving as White House press secretary “the honor and adventure of a lifetime” and expressed deep gratitude to Trump for the opportunities — including time in the West Wing, the Oval Office, and travel across the country and the world.
Then she got to the heart of her decision:
“Being a mother and welcoming a new baby while working in one of the most demanding jobs in the world has been the most rewarding yet challenging season of my life, to say the least. The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary — and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life.”
Her second child, daughter Viviana, was born in May 2026. She returned to the podium only weeks before the announcement. She also has a two-year-old son.
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A Historic Rise Cut Short by Motherhood
Leavitt made history when she became the youngest White House press secretary ever at age 27. Before that, she served as Trump’s 2024 campaign spokesperson, worked in his first administration, and was an aide to Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik. She also ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022 but lost the general election.
Over Trump’s two terms, he has now had several press secretaries. Leavitt stood out for her sharp, unapologetic defense of the president and her willingness to confront the press corps head-on.
During her maternity leave, senior officials including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent filled in at briefings.
What Comes Next
Leavitt made clear her work is not ending — only changing. Trump has asked her to continue as a top outside advisor, and she said she will remain a vocal advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party.
“My fight is entering a new phase, but it is far from over,” she wrote.
No replacement has been named yet.
For a young mother balancing two small children with the relentless demands of the White House podium, the choice came down to one simple priority: being the best mom she can be. Karoline Leavitt has chosen family — and she has explained exactly why.