President Donald Trump has announced that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her role to spend more time with her young children and family. Trump said Leavitt will continue to serve as an outside adviser.
Key facts
- Trump announced Karoline Leavitt will leave her role as White House press secretary.
- Leavitt is departing to spend more time with her family, according to Trump.
- She gave birth in May to a girl, her second child.
- Leavitt is the youngest White House press secretary ever.
- Trump said Leavitt will continue as an outside adviser.
President Donald Trump has said that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave her post, according to the BBC. Trump said Leavitt will depart to spend time with her young children and family.
Al Jazeera reported that Leavitt announced she will be stepping down from her position as White House press secretary. According to Al Jazeera, she is departing her role to spend more time with family after giving birth to a second child.
Leavitt is the youngest White House press secretary ever, CNBC reported. According to CNBC, she gave birth in May to a girl, her second child.
While Leavitt is leaving her official role, NPR reported that she will continue to be an outside adviser, according to Trump.
The BBC noted that the press secretary role requires managing a complex relationship with the media, as well as meeting Trump’s high expectations, as questions turn to who might replace her.
The announcement was made public on August 12, 2026, with outlets including the BBC, CNBC, NPR and Al Jazeera reporting on the departure in the hours that followed.
Why it matters
The White House press secretary is the administration's most visible daily spokesperson, shaping how the government communicates with the public and the media. A change in this high-profile role signals a shift in the president's communications team and raises questions about who will next serve as the face of the administration's messaging.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Karoline Leavitt leaving her role?
According to Trump, Leavitt is departing to spend more time with her young children and family after giving birth to a second child in May, as reported by the BBC, CNBC and Al Jazeera.
Will Leavitt remain involved with the administration?
Yes. NPR reported that Trump said Leavitt will continue to be an outside adviser.
What makes Leavitt's tenure notable?
CNBC reported that Leavitt is the youngest White House press secretary ever.