Overview
- President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House press secretary at the end of August and take a role as one of his principal external advisers.
- Leavitt said she decided to leave because the constant demands of the press secretary job make it impossible for her to give her two young children the time and attention she wants after returning from maternity leave in July.
- The White House has not named an interim or permanent successor, leaving the administration without a designated daily spokesperson less than three months before the November 3, 2026 midterm elections.
- As the youngest person to hold the job, Leavitt built a combative, pro‑MAGA communications style that elevated allied influencers and reduced traditional press briefing frequency during her recent maternity absence.
- Her move shifts influence from the West Wing to the broader Republican apparatus and could affect campaign messaging and media operations in the weeks ahead as the party readies for the midterms.