President Donald Trump announced that his White House Press Secretary, Caroline Leavitt, will be leaving her position at the end of the month, barely a month after she returned from maternity leave.
In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump wrote that "our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Caroline Leavitt, will be leaving her position at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her young and beautiful children and her family, a decision I completely understand and respect!"
The president indicated that Leavitt would continue working with him in an advisory capacity. "Caroline will now be one of my senior outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy history and win decisively in the Midterm Elections," Trump stated.
Trump praised Leavitt's service, saying she "was a true leader in the White House, and did a phenomenal job fighting for justice, liberty and freedom, since 2018, including our historic 2024 Re-Election Campaign."
He concluded by calling her "one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the history of the office. Thank you, Caroline, for a job well done!"
The departure comes at a sensitive time, just months before the midterm elections, and involves one of Trump's closest advisors leaving her post shortly after resuming it.
In her own statement, Leavitt explained her decision. "Serving as White House Press Secretary over the last year and a half has been the honor and adventure of my lifetime. I am deeply grateful to President Trump for giving me so many extraordinary opportunities, like working in the West Wing and learning for countless hours in the Oval Office, flying around the world and meeting with foreign leaders, and traveling across our beautiful country and meeting Americans from all walks of life."
She expressed particular gratitude for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the president. "Above all, I am thankful to the President for entrusting me with the special privilege of speaking on his behalf at the White House press podium. I spoke with great pride about the many historic accomplishments of this administration, and relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people heard the truth about President Trump's successes."
Leavitt acknowledged the challenges of balancing motherhood with one of the most demanding jobs in government. "Being a mom and welcoming a new baby girl while working one of the most challenging jobs in the world has been the most rewarding yet challenging season of my life, to say it mildly."
She revealed that the decision stemmed from her desire to be fully present for her children. "The truth is, since I returned to the White House after my daughter's birth, I felt in my heart that I could not be the best mom my two young children deserve, while devoting the time, energy and constant attention required of the White House Press Secretary—which is why I ultimately made the bittersweet decision to leave the White House and embark on a new chapter of my life."
Leavitt confirmed she would remain involved in politics. "President Trump has asked me to continue serving as a senior advisor to him from the outside, and I will always remain an enthusiastic advocate for MAGA and the Republican Party."
She framed her departure as a shift in her political engagement rather than an end to it. "Our country faces an existential threat from the increasingly extreme Democrat Party that seeks to destroy everything great about America, and I believe all of us who want what's best for this country have a duty to fight back against that threat. My fight is entering a new phase, but it is far from over."
Leavitt concluded with thanks to the Trump family, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, her colleagues, and especially "my loving and supportive husband and my family for the sacrifices they have made for me so I could serve in this role."
