White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her position at the end of August, choosing to prioritize her two young children over her historic role as the youngest person ever to hold the job.

Historic Tenure Comes to an End

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Leavitt, 28, will leave the administration after serving since the beginning of his second term. The announcement came just weeks after Leavitt returned from maternity leave on July 16, following the birth of her second child in May. She made history as the first White House press secretary to give birth while serving in the position, joining only seven other women who have held this demanding role.

Trump praised Leavitt’s service and indicated she would continue advising him from outside the administration. He stated she would serve as one of his top outside advisors and maintain an influential voice within the Republican Party as they prepare for upcoming midterm elections. Neither Trump nor Leavitt announced a successor for the critical communications position.

Balancing Motherhood and Public Service

Leavitt confirmed her departure on social media, explaining that since having her second child, she recognized she could not be the best mother her children deserve while dedicating the constant time and energy the press secretary role demands. She described serving as press secretary as the honor and adventure of a lifetime, thanking the President for entrusting her with the distinct privilege of speaking on his behalf from the White House podium.

During her maternity leave earlier this year, the White House did not designate an interim press secretary. Instead, various administration officials handled media briefings, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Leavitt demonstrated her dedication when she returned to work just four days into maternity leave after the assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, during the 2024 campaign.

Pattern of Departures Continues

Leavitt becomes the fifth woman in a high-ranking Trump administration position to depart this year, following Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. All four were replaced by men, raising questions about retention of women in senior roles.

At approximately 18 months, Leavitt’s tenure ranks as the second-longest for a Trump press secretary, behind only Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who served nearly two years during the first term and now serves as Arkansas governor. Leavitt previously served as an assistant press secretary during Trump’s first term and became national press secretary during his 2024 presidential campaign. She unsuccessfully ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022, losing to Democratic Representative Chris Pappas.