Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House press secretary, Trump says | Trump administration
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-12 16:36:00 — www.theguardian.com
Donald Trump Announces Departure of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Amid Tumultuous White House Tenure
Donald Trump announced that Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House press secretary at the end of August, stating on social media that she is leaving “so she can spend more time” with her family. Leavitt’s departure comes as Trump faces historically low approval ratings, with widespread voter discontent over rising prices and an ongoing war in Iran.
Leavitt, who became the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary when Trump returned to office in January 2025, will reportedly become one of Trump’s “top outside advisors,” according to a post he made on his Truth Social platform.
Throughout her tenure, Leavitt was a staunch defender of Trump and his policies. Trump frequently praised her communication skills and, at times, drew attention to her appearance, telling Newsmax, “She’s become a star. It’s that face, it’s that brain, it’s those lips – the way they move, they move like she’s a machine gun.”
Leavitt’s briefings were known for staying on message and defending Trump’s agenda, but they also drew scrutiny from fact-checkers. For example, Leavitt’s claim that “tariffs are a tax cut for the American people” was rated false by Politifact. Trump did not directly address this false claim, but he consistently supported Leavitt’s messaging and combative style toward the media and political opponents.
Trump has not yet announced who will succeed Leavitt as press secretary. Her departure highlights the ongoing turbulence within the administration and the challenges faced by those tasked with defending Trump’s record and rhetoric.
In summary, Trump’s announcement of Leavitt’s exit underscores the persistent controversies and fact-checking challenges that have defined his administration’s communications strategy. As Trump’s approval ratings remain low and his administration faces mounting criticism, the departure of a key spokesperson signals continued instability at the highest levels of the White House.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/12/karoline-leavitt-resigns