Karoline Leavitt Steps Away From White House to Focus on Motherhood

Karoline Leavitt has announced her decision to leave her role as White House Press Secretary, saying her family and responsibilities as a mother led her to begin a new chapter.

Serving as the White House Press Secretary over the past year and a half has been the 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… https://t.co/4jyW61DGGh pic.twitter.com/xny1yccuBn

— Karoline Leavitt (@karolineleavitt) August 12, 2026

Leavitt, who served as President Donald Trump’s press secretary for the past year and a half, described the position as the “honor and adventure of a lifetime.” In a statement shared on social media, she thanked Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, her colleagues and her family for their support during her tenure.

Leavitt said that returning to the White House after the birth of her daughter made her realise that she could not give her two young children the time and attention they deserve while continuing to meet the demands of the press secretary role.

“Being a mother and welcoming a new baby while working in one of the most demanding jobs in the world has been the most rewarding yet challenging season of my life,” Leavitt said.

She added that President Trump has asked her to continue serving as a top adviser to him from outside the White House. Leavitt also said she would remain an outspoken supporter of the MAGA movement and the Republican Party.

Reflecting on her tenure, Leavitt highlighted her time working in the West Wing, travelling with the president, meeting foreign leaders and addressing the White House press corps on behalf of the administration.

Her departure marks a new phase in her political career, although she made clear that she intends to remain active in Republican politics and continue supporting Trump.