Leavitt Defends Press Secretary Exit Amidst Successor's Struggles

Karoline Leavitt, former White House Press Secretary, has defended her decision to leave her post before the midterm elections, citing her increased family time and a new role as a TV contributor for Fox News. Leavitt, who stepped down in August, addressed questions from her 3.1 million Instagram followers about her career transition.

Responding to a follower who questioned her departure while still intending to work, Leavitt stated, "As Press Sec, I was working in the office 60+ hours a week, traveling the world and always on call 24/7. Now I am home with my kids every day and am doing some TV hits. These things are not the same ma'am."

Leavitt's exit preceded the November midterm elections, a period where recent polling indicates former President Donald Trump may be hindering Republican candidates. A Daily Mail/YouGov poll found that 49% of likely voters believe Trump is hurting his party, with independents showing particular concern.

Meanwhile, Leavitt's replacement, Katie Zacharia, has faced scrutiny following a seemingly lackluster first on-camera press briefing. During the briefing, Zacharia reportedly stumbled over remarks, stuttered, and made a statement to the Daily Mail that Trump had asked Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign as ambassador to Greece. The briefing lasted only 14 minutes, with Zacharia taking just three questions before concluding.

Zacharia, 41, previously worked as a Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman for six weeks before leaving in March. She has since been a communications adviser for Trump Media and Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social. Leavitt, 29, is a mother of two.