White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered an emotional farewell on her final day in the role, describing her tenure as "the adventure of a lifetime" and offering advice to her successor.
Speaking from the North Lawn, the 28-year-old, the youngest press secretary in history, cited the demands of balancing motherhood with the 24/7 nature of the job as the primary reason for her departure. Leavitt, who has two young children, including a four-month-old, stated that "sometimes in life you just can't have it all at the same time."
"It's bitter because I'm leaving a job that I love so very much, and it's been the honor and blessing of a lifetime to work for this president, President Trump. There will never be another like him," Leavitt said in an interview prior to her final press briefing.
She praised President Donald Trump as an "understanding boss and a friend" who supported her despite criticisms about her age when he appointed her. Leavitt recalled that many advised against her hiring due to her youth, but Trump "ignored all the doubters and he gave me a chance."
Leavitt expressed gratitude for her time in the role, acknowledging the often-unseen aspects of the job beyond the televised briefings. "What people don't realize about this job: the briefings and what I just did on TV is 10 percent. 90 percent of it is taking all of your calls at five in the morning and 11 p.m. at night," she told reporters.
When asked for advice for her eventual replacement, Leavitt emphasized President Trump's role as his own best communicator. "I think it's most important in this job to understand that President Trump is his own best spokesperson," she stated. "He is the true communications director and press secretary here at the White House."
Leavitt is transitioning to an outside advisor role with President Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., and plans to continue advising the president through the upcoming midterm elections.
Before her departure, Leavitt highlighted President Trump's upcoming campaign activities, including an RNC fundraiser in Houston and a visit to the Johnson Space Center. During the space center visit, Trump is scheduled to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the Artemis II crew and discuss his administration's establishment of the Space Force.
Leavitt's departure comes less than three months before the midterm elections. Insiders suggested she had experienced burnout, with one source noting constant communication from the president during her maternity leave. The sources indicated that Trump made significant efforts to retain her in the role.
During her time at the podium, Leavitt was known for her assertive style, engaging in notable exchanges with journalists. Fox & Friends presented her with a montage of some of her most viral moments, including instances where she characterized a journalist as a "left-wing hack" and made comments about international relations.
Former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino commented on Leavitt's tenure, commending her ability to handle pressure with "poise, grace, wit, and grit."