White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is stepping down at the end of August 2026 to focus on her family. President Trump announced the departure, praising Leavitt and naming her as an outside advisor.
Leavitt's Departure and Family Priorities
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will depart her role at the end of August 2026, President Donald Trump announced on August 13, 2026, citing her desire to spend more time with her young family. Leavitt, who returned from maternity leave in July 2026 after giving birth to her second child in May 2026, confirmed the decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a ‘bittersweet decision.’
Leavitt stated in her post: ‘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 added that she could not ‘be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary.’
Trump's Announcement and Future Role
Trump, who announced the departure via Truth Social, called Leavitt ‘one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the history of the office.’ He also announced that she would remain a ‘top outside advisor’ and an ‘influential voice within the Republican Party’ as the administration prepares for upcoming midterm elections.
Leavitt’s Career and Background
Leavitt, 28, became the youngest person to serve as White House Press Secretary in January 2025, following roles as a Trump campaign spokeswoman and principal deputy press secretary. She began her political career as an intern during Trump’s first term and later worked under former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany and Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik. Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, a 60-year-old real estate developer, and has a two-year-old son and a newborn daughter.
Reactions and Speculation on Replacement
Trump’s announcement did not specify a replacement for Leavitt, though Anna Kelly, the principal deputy press secretary, has been mentioned as a potential successor. The White House has not indicated whether it will appoint a replacement or leave the position vacant, as it did during Leavitt’s maternity leave.
Context: Tenure and Historical Comparisons
Leavitt’s tenure of roughly 18 months aligns with recent trends for White House press secretaries, many of whom serve between 1.5 to 3 years. Notable predecessors include Jen Psaki (16 months under Biden), Jay Carney (3.5 years under Obama), and Josh Earnest (2.5 years under Obama). Earlier exceptions include James Hagerty (8 years under Eisenhower) and Marlin Fitzwater (served under Reagan and George H.W. Bush).
Leavitt’s departure comes amid heightened political tensions, with Republicans facing challenges in the upcoming midterm elections amid international conflicts and economic concerns. Her role as a high-profile advocate for Trump’s policies and her presence in classified briefings have made her a notable figure in the administration.
Leavitt’s Public Statements
In her X post, Leavitt expressed gratitude for her time in the administration, stating: ‘Serving as the White House Press Secretary over the past year and a half has been the honor and adventure of a lifetime.’ She highlighted her opportunities to work in the West Wing, meet foreign leaders, and travel across the U.S. She also acknowledged the ‘historic accomplishments’ of the administration and her role in holding the media accountable.
The White House Press Office has not responded to requests for comment on potential replacements or the timeline for a successor.