Karoline Leavitt announced her resignation as White House Press Secretary on Thursday, a move that surprised many in Washington and was understood to have frustrated President Donald Trump, who reportedly urged her to stay. Leavitt, 28, stated her decision to leave at the end of the month stems from a desire to devote more time to her two young children.
Leavitt returned from maternity leave in May after giving birth to her second child, a daughter, in May. Sources indicated she came back early at the President's insistence. She acknowledged the decision was "bittersweet," calling it "the most rewarding yet challenging season of my life." She elaborated in a post on X that she 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."
President Trump publicly supported Leavitt's decision, posting on Truth Social that it was "a decision I totally understand and respect." He praised her as "one of the best White House press secretaries in the history of the office" and stated she would remain a "top outside adviser" and "influential voice" within the Republican Party as the November midterm elections approach.
Leavitt joined Trump's orbit in 2018, initially as a presidential writer and later as an assistant White House press secretary. After serving as communications director for Representative Elise Stefanik from 2021 to 2022, she rejoined Trump's re-election campaign as a national press secretary in 2024. Her appointment as White House Press Secretary followed Trump's return to the Oval Office.
Known for her assertive demeanor in the briefing room, Leavitt often challenged journalists and defended the administration's actions, mirroring Trump's communication style. Her departure comes shortly after that of one of her top deputies, Abigail Jackson, who also left the White House for the private sector two weeks prior.
No successor has been named. Alina Habba, a former lawyer for Trump, is considered a likely candidate by bookmakers. Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer, and they have a two-year-old son, Niko, and a three-month-old daughter, Vivi. She was seen accompanying President Trump on Friday as he traveled to New York to speak at a police academy before heading to New Jersey.