The Trump administration is preparing for a major change at the White House podium after President Donald Trump confirmed that Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her role at the end of August 2026.
Leavitt, who made history as the youngest White House press secretary, is leaving the demanding position to devote more time to her young family. The 28-year-old recently returned from maternity leave after welcoming her second child.
Trump confirmed the news on Wednesday, August 12, praising Leavitt and expressing support for her decision. The president described her as one of his most trusted aides and indicated that her departure from the press secretary position will not completely end her involvement with his political operation.
Instead, Leavitt is expected to remain close to Trump as an outside adviser while continuing to play a role within Republican political circles ahead of the midterm elections.
Her exit brings an end to a highly visible chapter at the White House, where she became one of the administration’s most recognizable public faces. Leavitt regularly defended Trump’s policies from the briefing-room podium while helping shape a media strategy that placed greater emphasis on conservative and nontraditional news outlets.
Before becoming press secretary, Leavitt had already built strong ties to Trump’s political movement. She served in his first administration, became a spokesperson during his 2024 presidential campaign and previously mounted an unsuccessful congressional campaign in New Hampshire.
Her appointment as White House press secretary in 2025 made history because of her age, placing her in one of Washington’s most demanding communications positions at just 27 years old.
Leavitt described the decision to leave as bittersweet, with family considerations playing a central role. She has two young children and has spoken about the challenge of balancing motherhood with the intense responsibilities of representing the president before the national and international media.
As of Wednesday evening, Trump had not announced who will replace Leavitt as White House press secretary, immediately fueling speculation over who will become the administration’s next face behind the famous podium.
While Leavitt is leaving her official White House role, her continued position as an outside Trump adviser suggests she may remain an influential voice in the president’s political circle.
Her final departure from the press secretary position is expected at the end of August 2026.
