Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) offered a unique assessment of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as she prepares to leave her post, describing her as “very good at her job” and “impressive” in her ability to defend President Donald Trump.
Trump announced Wednesday on his Truth Social platform that Leavitt will be departing her role at the end of August, stating she will transition to an outside advisory position within the Republican Party. He cited her desire to spend more time with her young children.
Leavitt, who recently returned from maternity leave, confirmed the departure on social media. She explained that balancing the demanding role of White House Press Secretary with motherhood was proving too challenging to be the best parent she could be.
“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,” Leavitt wrote. She described her tenure as a “rewarding yet challenging season of my life.”
Kinzinger, a vocal critic of Trump, commented on Leavitt’s performance during an appearance on CNN’s “The Source.” He suggested that her departure would be a significant loss for the administration.
"She had the ability to, in even a couple of your clips, you’re, like, saying obvious truth, and she’ll just kind of look at it, like — obfuscate. ‘That’s not true.’ And she had a classy way to do it,” Kinzinger told host Kaitlan Collins. “So I think it’s going to be a hit for the administration.”
Kinzinger did not question Leavitt's stated reasons for leaving, acknowledging the inherent difficulties of working in the White House. However, his remarks focused on her effectiveness in navigating challenging press briefings, particularly her skill in reframing or disputing information presented to her.