Karoline Leavitt is leaving her role as Trump’s White House press secretary
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-12 19:32:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Responds to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s Departure, Signals Continued Influence
President Donald Trump has publicly addressed the upcoming departure of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person to ever hold the position. In a social media post, Trump said Leavitt’s decision to leave at the end of the month to focus on her family is one he “totally understand[s] and respect[s]!” He also indicated that Leavitt will not be leaving his circle of influence, stating she will become “one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections.”
Leavitt, 28, cited her desire to be present for her young children as the primary reason for her departure. She recently returned to the White House podium after the birth of her second child in May. Trump did not announce a replacement for the high-profile role.
Throughout her tenure, Leavitt was deployed primarily to conservative outlets such as Fox News to promote Trump’s agenda and criticize Democrats and the mainstream media. Trump himself has a history of engaging directly with reporters, often using public events and travel opportunities to make his positions known.
The president’s statement underscores his continued reliance on loyal advisors and his focus on upcoming elections. Trump’s approach to press relations has often involved sharp criticism of media coverage and political opponents, a pattern that continued during Leavitt’s time as press secretary.
As Leavitt transitions out of her official role, Trump’s remarks make clear that she will remain a significant figure in his political strategy and within the broader Republican Party. The move highlights Trump’s ongoing efforts to shape his team and messaging as he looks ahead to future electoral battles.