The 28-Year-Old White House Press Secretary Says Balancing the Demanding Role With Raising Two Young Children Led to Her “Bittersweet Decision”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is leaving the Trump administration at the end of August, saying she wants to devote more time to her two young children after recently returning from maternity leave.
President Donald Trump announced Leavitt’s upcoming departure Wednesday, Aug. 12. Leavitt, 28, later confirmed the decision in a social media statement, describing her exit from one of the White House’s most visible positions as “bittersweet.”
“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,” Leavitt wrote.
She said the constant time, energy and attention required of the press secretary position ultimately led her to choose a new chapter centered on her family.
Leavitt Recently Returned From Maternity Leave
Leavitt gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Viviana, in May and returned to the White House podium in July. She and her husband also have a 2-year-old son.
Her July 23 briefing was among her first after returning from maternity leave, according to White House records.
Leavitt made history when she became White House press secretary in 2025 at age 27, becoming the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
Before joining the administration, she served as a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and transition team. She had previously worked in Trump’s first administration and as communications director for Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York. Leavitt also ran unsuccessfully for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022.
Her tenure as press secretary was marked by an aggressive approach to the White House press corps and an effort to expand access to newer and conservative media outlets alongside traditional news organizations.
Leavitt Will Remain in Trump’s Political Circle
Although she is leaving her official White House position, Leavitt is not expected to disappear from Trump’s orbit.
Trump said she will remain one of his top outside advisers and continue as an influential Republican voice as the party heads toward the 2026 midterm elections. The president praised Leavitt’s performance and said he understood and respected her decision to leave.
As of Thursday morning, Aug. 13, Trump had not announced who will replace Leavitt as White House press secretary.
