Washington, 13 August (H.S.): White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her position at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social, saying that one of his most trusted aides would devote more time to her family and young children. Trump praised Leavitt’s performance and said he respected her decision.

Trump said Leavitt was one of his most trusted advisers and would leave the White House at the end of the month to spend more time with her family and young children. He said she would continue to serve as one of his leading outside advisers and remain an influential voice within the Republican Party, including during the upcoming midterm elections.

The President praised Leavitt’s leadership at the White House, saying she had been a strong advocate for his administration and its policies. He also credited her with playing an important role in his political campaigns and said she would be remembered as one of the outstanding press secretaries in White House history.

Leavitt, 28, became the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary when she took the position during Trump’s second administration. She emerged as one of the President’s most prominent and trusted officials, frequently defending his policies and responding forcefully to questions from journalists.

Her departure comes less than three months before the 2026 US midterm elections, making the change a significant development for the Trump administration. The transition also comes at a politically challenging time for the President, amid concerns over foreign policy, energy prices and his approval ratings.

Leavitt has played a prominent role in communicating the administration’s agenda, both from the White House briefing room and through social media. She was also known for maintaining an active relationship with reporters while regularly engaging in contentious exchanges over questions concerning Trump and his policies.

Following Trump’s announcement, Leavitt said on social media that returning to the White House after the birth of her daughter had made her realise she needed to reassess what it meant to be the best mother she could be. She described her decision to leave as bittersweet, reflecting both her attachment to the administration and her desire to prioritise her family.

Leavitt gave birth to her daughter, Viviana, in May and had taken maternity leave before returning to the White House. She had previously become a mother in July 2024 and had taken only a short period away from work at that time.

During her tenure, Leavitt frequently highlighted her family life alongside her demanding responsibilities at the White House. She has spoken publicly about balancing her career with motherhood and has occasionally brought her young son to Air Force One and the Oval Office.

Before becoming White House press secretary, Leavitt worked as a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and had also served in his first administration. She ran unsuccessfully for Congress in New Hampshire after Trump’s first term before becoming a prominent figure in his 2024 campaign.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, Leavitt could continue to play an important role as an outside political adviser and Republican communicator. She has said she will remain a supporter of the Republican Party.

The White House has not yet announced who will succeed Leavitt as press secretary.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar