Karoline Leavitt, the 28-year-old White House press secretary, announced Friday she will leave her position to join President Donald Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc., prioritizing time with her two young children. Leavitt, who became the youngest press secretary in U.S. history upon joining the Trump administration, stated she could not balance the demands of the role with motherhood after returning from maternity leave in July.
Leavitt made the announcement aboard Air Force One en route to a South Carolina rally, confirming her final trip as press secretary. She will remain in Washington for the near term and return for the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention in September. Trump praised her decision in a Truth Social post, calling her departure a step to spend more time with her family while noting her continued influence in his campaign efforts.
Leavitt’s rationale for leaving
In an Aug. 12 post, Leavitt explained she felt unable to be the best mother to her children while meeting the constant demands of the White House press secretary role. She gave birth to her second child in May and returned to work on July 16, less than two months before her resignation. Leavitt previously served as an assistant White House press secretary during Trump’s first term and as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Transition to MAGA Inc.
Leavitt will return to MAGA Inc., the super PAC she previously represented as a spokesperson before joining Trump’s 2024 campaign. While her specific title was not disclosed, she confirmed her role will be within the organization. MAGA Inc. did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump stated in his post that Leavitt would become one of his top outside advisors and an influential voice in the Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections.
Broader context of political motherhood
Leavitt’s departure has renewed discussions about the compatibility of high-level political careers with parenting, particularly for mothers. The Washington Examiner highlighted similar cases, including former Rep. Susan Brooks, who left Congress to care for her children and aging parents, and Colorado state Rep. Rose Pugliese, who resigned while raising children alone and working multiple jobs. The article framed such exits as systemic issues rather than individual choices, arguing that political institutions often fail to accommodate caregiving responsibilities.
Leavitt’s decision follows her historic tenure as the youngest press secretary in U.S. history, a role she assumed amid significant political polarization. Her exit underscores ongoing debates about work-life balance in public service, particularly for women in leadership positions.