Karoline Leavitt to step down as White House press secretary

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her role at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday, marking the conclusion of a tenure that made her the youngest person ever to hold the position. Leavitt, 28, will depart to focus on family life, a decision Trump praised as one he “totally understand[s] and respect[s].”

The announcement comes amid scrutiny over Leavitt’s personal life, including social media reactions to her marriage to 60-year-old Nicholas Riccio. RadarOnline.com reported that Leavitt has faced months of intense criticism in her role, with some online commenters targeting the age gap between her and her husband. “Get lost and take your bulls--t statement with you,” one user wrote on X, while another questioned her commitment to family life. Leavitt, who returned to the briefing room in July after a brief maternity leave following the birth of her second child, daughter Viviana, described her departure as a “bittersweet” choice, citing the challenges of balancing motherhood with the demands of the role.

“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,” she wrote in a social media post. Leavitt also highlighted her husband’s role in their family, noting she now has a two-year-old son and a newborn daughter to care for.

Trump announced Leavitt’s exit on Truth Social, calling her one of his “most trusted aides” and stating she would remain a “top outside advisor” to the Republican Party. “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,” he wrote. Leavitt, who has been a vocal defender of Trump’s policies, will continue to advocate for the president’s agenda while stepping away from the daily pressures of the role.

Leavitt’s career in Trump’s orbit began during his first term, when she served as an assistant press secretary and speechwriter. She later worked as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022, winning the Republican primary but losing to Democrat Chris Pappas. She joined Trump’s 2024 campaign as national press secretary before being appointed to the White House role in 2025, making history as the youngest press secretary in U.S. history.

During her tenure, Leavitt was known for her combative style in press briefings, often clashing with reporters and defending the administration with fervor. Her office also faced criticism for seizing control of the White House press pool in 2025, a move that sparked tensions with the press corps. Despite this, she was widely regarded as a loyal and effective spokesperson within Trump’s inner circle.

The announcement comes amid a period of political uncertainty for the Trump administration. Leavitt’s departure leaves a void in the White House’s communications strategy just months before the midterm elections. Trump did not name a successor in his statement, and the White House has not yet provided details on the selection process. During her maternity leave earlier this year, senior officials including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio temporarily filled the role, though their appearances were less consistent than Leavitt’s.

Leavitt’s exit also raises questions about the future of the press secretary position, which has seen multiple changes under Trump. She is the second longest-serving press secretary in either of his administrations, following Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Her departure underscores the challenges of balancing high-stakes political work with personal life, a theme she highlighted in her farewell statement. “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,” she wrote.

As she transitions to her new role as an outside advisor, Leavitt’s influence on Republican strategy and messaging is expected to persist. Her decision to step down reflects a broader trend among female politicians and public figures who navigate the demands of leadership with family responsibilities, a dynamic that has drawn increasing attention in recent years.