Fierce Trump ally Karoline Leavitt to exit White House after 'bittersweet decision'

The 28-year-old is the youngest Press Secretary in history and was the first to serve in the role while pregnant - giving birth to her second child, Viviana, in May.

In a statement posted to social media, she said serving under Mr Trump was the "honour and adventure of a lifetime", which allowed her to experience "so many extraordinary opportunities".

"Most of all, I am thankful to the President for entrusting me with the distinct privilege of speaking on his behalf at the White House podium," she added.

"I have spoken with great pride about the many historic accomplishments of this Administration, and I have relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people hear the truth about President Trump's successes."

During her April maternity leave, the role was filled by a revolving door of senior White House officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance.

She returned to work on July 16, but has now admitted she cannot split time between being a mother and serving as a crucial aide of Mr Trump.

Karoline Leavitt was the youngest White House Press Secretary

REUTERS

Karoline Leavitt, pictured with her first child, said it was a 'bittersweet decision' to leave the White House

GETTY

Describing being a mother as one of the most "demanding jobs in the world", she said: "The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary - and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life."

Ms Leavitt said she will continue to work as a top adviser to the President in an external role, and thanked Mr Trump, the First Lady and their family for their kindness and generousity.

The President, in a statement on Truth Social, said: "Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family, a decision I totally understand and respect!

"Karoline will now be 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.

Karoline Leavitt was the second-longest serving White House Press Secretary for the President

REUTERS

JD Vance said Ms Leavitt had one of the 'hardest jobs' in the White House

GETTY

"Karoline has been a real leader in the White House, and has done a phenomenal job fighting for justice, liberty, and freedom, since 2018, including our historic re-election campaign of 2024."

The mother-of-two has been the second-longest serving Press Secretary for Mr Trump behind now-Governor of Arkansas Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Mr Vance said the Press Secretary had one of the "hardest jobs" in the White House, noting that she had handled "relentless attacks from the fake news media" with grace and wit.

"I've had the opportunity to get to know Karoline over the past few years, and I know how difficult yet rewarding a constant job like this can be for a young parent," the Vice President said.

The Press Secretary returned from maternity leave in July

GETTY

"We're sad to see her go, but I know she’ll continue to do great things."

And Steven Cheung, the White House Director of Communications, said the departing Press Secretary was "fiercely loyal, unflappable and a great person".

A longtime ally of Mr Trump, Ms Leavitt wrote letters on behalf of Mr Trump in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence, first as an intern and later full-time employee in 2019.

She was then named an assistant Press Secretary in 2020, leaving the role weeks before Mr Trump left the White House to run as a US Representative in New Hampshire, but lost the election.

It is currently unclear who will replace her in the role which traditionally has high turnover - in the President's first term, Sean Spicer lasted six months, Ms Sanders just under two years, while Stephanie Grisham and Kayleigh McEnany lasted around 280 days.