Trump's press secretary Karoline Leavitt to exit White House
Washington, Aug 13
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her post at the end of August to spend more time with her family, President Donald Trump announced here on Wednesday.
Leavitt, one of Trump's closest aides and most prominent public defenders, will continue serving as an outside adviser. Trump said she would also remain an influential Republican voice ahead of the midterm elections.
"Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"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 said.
Trump did not immediately announce her successor.
The Wall Street Journal reported that White House counsel David Warrington was among the names being considered. It said White House staff members Will Scharf, Steven Cheung and Abigail Jackson were also being discussed.
Leavitt said serving as press secretary for the past year and a half had been "the honor and adventure of a lifetime".
She thanked Trump for giving her opportunities to work in the West Wing, travel abroad, meet foreign leaders and speak on his behalf from the White House podium.
"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," she said.
Leavitt said balancing motherhood with the demands of the job had become increasingly difficult after the birth of her daughter.
"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 while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary - and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life," she said.
She said Trump had asked her to continue advising him from outside the administration. She also pledged to remain an advocate for his Make America Great Again movement and the Republican Party.
"My fight is entering a new phase, but it is far from over," Leavitt said.
Trump described Leavitt as "one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office" and praised her work in his administration and during his 2024 campaign.
Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in US history when she assumed the role at 27. She had earlier served as an assistant press secretary during Trump's first administration and later became a spokesperson for his 2024 presidential campaign.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting how the article highlights she was "the youngest press secretary in US history" - that's quite an achievement at 27! But I wonder if the constant media scrutiny and political pressure played a bigger role than just family time. Either way, wishing her well.
Seems like another day in the chaotic Trump administration. One minute they're in, next minute they're out. But at least her reason is noble - family matters. In India too, we've seen many politicians and officials stepping back for personal reasons. Happens everywhere.
I'm from the US and I have to say, she was really good at her job. It's rare to see someone so young handle that kind of pressure with such grace. Her decision to prioritize her kids is commendable. We need more leaders who value family over power.
The way she said "my fight is entering a new phase, but it is far from over" - that's so American politics! 😄 Reminds me of our own leaders' announcements sometimes. Anyway, hope she finds the balance she's looking for. Being a working mom is tough everywhere.
As an American, I appreciate her transparency about the difficulty of balancing motherhood with such a demanding role. Many working mothers in India and the US can relate. Her honesty about the challenges is refreshing compared to the usual political spin.
R We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.