Why Is Karoline Leavitt Leaving the White House? Everything to Know About Her Exit

Karoline Leavitt is exiting the White House briefing room.

The 28-year-old political spokesperson made history as the youngest White House press secretary after President Donald Trump tapped her for the role following his second presidential victory in 2024.

"Karoline Leavitt did a phenomenal job as the National Press Secretary on my Historic Campaign, and I am pleased to announce she will serve as White House Press Secretary," the POTUS said at the time. "Karoline is smart, tough, and has proven to be a highly effective communicator. I have the utmost confidence she will excel at the podium, and help deliver our message to the American People as we, Make America Great Again."

Leavitt was 27 when she took on the position, breaking the record Ron Ziegler had held since Richard Nixon named him to the role at the age of 29 in 1969.

More than a year later, Leavitt announced she would leave the Trump administration at the end of August.

In a statement on X, Leavitt confirmed that she is stepping down from her post as White House press secretary, calling her time in the role "honor and adventure of a lifetime."

"I am incredibly grateful to President Trump for granting me so many extraordinary opportunities, such as working in the West Wing and spending countless hours in the Oval Office, flying around the world and meeting foreign leaders, and traveling across our beautiful country and meeting Americans from all walks of life," she wrote, adding, "Most of all, I am thankful to the President for entrusting me with the distinct privilege of speaking on his behalf at the White House podium."

She added, "I have spoken with great pride about the many historic accomplishments of this Administration, and I have relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people hear the truth about President Trump's successes."

Leavitt, who welcomed her second child on May 1, said that balancing motherhood with "one of the most demanding jobs in the world" ultimately led to her decision to leave the White House, explaining that she could no longer be "the best mom" to her two young children while giving the press secretary role the constant attention it requires.

Despite leaving her post, she revealed the president asked her to continue serving as "a top advisor to [Trump] on the outside" while continuing her work as a vocal advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party.

She ended her statement with a note of gratitude, which read, "Thank you again to the President, the First Lady, and the entire Trump family for your kindness and generosity over the years. Thank you to our amazing Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for empowering me since the day she hired me on the campaign, and to the President’s cabinet, my staff, colleagues, and friends at the White House who work so hard on behalf of our nation. It has been a privilege to serve alongside so many accomplished and impressive people, and I look forward to cheering them on over the next two and a half years.

"And of course, thank you most especially to my loving and supportive husband and family for the sacrifices they made for me to serve in this role. ♥️🇺🇸," she concluded.

Trump first announced the news about Leavitt's exit in a Truth Social post on August 12, calling her "one of [his] most trusted aides." He also confirmed she "will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family."

"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.

Trump also praised Leavitt as "one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office" before thanking her "for a job well done."

As of press time, the White House has yet to name Leavitt's successor, but Scott Jennings and Lara Trump have already emerged as potential contenders for the role.