Washington: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced that she will leave her post, saying the demands of one of the administration’s most high-profile jobs have made it increasingly difficult for her to give enough time and attention to her two young children.
In a statement, Leavitt described her tenure as press secretary as one of the biggest privileges of her career and thanked President Donald Trump for giving her the opportunity to work closely with him and his administration.
Leavitt said becoming a mother while handling the demanding responsibilities of the White House press secretary had been both deeply rewarding and challenging. After returning to work following the birth of her daughter, she said she came to the conclusion that she could not simultaneously meet the demands of the job and be the mother she wanted to be.
‘A bittersweet decision’
Reflecting on her decision, Leavitt said she had realised that the constant workload associated with the position was preventing her from giving her children the time and attention she believed they deserved.
She described her departure as a “bittersweet decision” and said it would mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Leavitt also made clear that leaving the White House does not mean stepping away from politics. According to her statement, Trump has asked her to continue working with him as a senior adviser from outside the administration.
Thanks Trump, White House colleagues
Leavitt expressed gratitude to Trump for what she described as extraordinary opportunities during her time in the White House. She recalled working in the West Wing, spending time in the Oval Office, travelling with the administration and meeting foreign leaders and Americans across the country.
She particularly highlighted her role at the White House podium, saying she regarded it as a privilege to speak on behalf of the president.
Leavitt also thanked First Lady Melania Trump, the Trump family, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, administration officials, her staff and colleagues for their support.
Says political fight will continue
Despite leaving her official government position, Leavitt said she intends to remain politically active and continue supporting Trump’s “MAGA” movement and the Republican Party.
In her statement, she sharply criticised the Democratic Party, accusing it of posing a serious threat to what she described as America’s core values. She said her political fight was entering a different phase but was “far from over.”
Her departure therefore appears to be a shift in role rather than a complete withdrawal from the Trump political orbit.
Family takes centre stage
Leavitt ended her statement by acknowledging the personal sacrifices made by her husband and family during her time in one of Washington’s most visible political positions.
Her decision comes as she balances a demanding public role with raising two young children, making family considerations the central reason behind her choice to leave the White House press secretary’s office.
For now, Leavitt is set to remain connected to Trump as an outside adviser, while beginning what she described as a new chapter away from the daily pressures of the White House podium.
