Washington, Aug 2026 : White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her position at the end of August to devote more time to her family, US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, while indicating that she will continue to advise him from outside the administration.

Leavitt, one of Trump’s most trusted aides and among his most visible defenders, will remain politically active and is expected to play a role in supporting the Republican Party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Announcing her departure on Truth Social, Trump praised Leavitt as a valued member of his administration and said he fully understood her decision to spend more time with her young children.

Trump said Leavitt would become one of his “top outside advisors” and continue to have an influential role within the Republican Party as he seeks to strengthen the party’s position ahead of the midterm elections. He did not immediately name a successor.

Leavitt, who has served as White House press secretary for around a year and a half, described the position as the “honor and adventure of a lifetime.” She thanked Trump for giving her the opportunity to work in the West Wing, travel internationally, meet foreign leaders and represent his administration before the media.

During her tenure, Leavitt became a prominent voice in defending Trump’s policies and confronting journalists during White House briefings. She said she took pride in highlighting what she described as the administration’s historic achievements while holding the media accountable.

However, Leavitt said the demands of the position had become increasingly difficult to balance with her responsibilities as a mother following the birth of her daughter.

She acknowledged that the press secretary’s role requires constant attention, energy and long hours, making it difficult for her to provide the time and presence she wants to give her two young children.

Leavitt said Trump had asked her to continue advising him after leaving the administration. She also pledged to remain an advocate for the Make America Great Again movement and the Republican Party.

“My fight is entering a new phase, but it is far from over,” she said.

Trump, meanwhile, described Leavitt as one of the best press secretaries in the history of the office and praised her contributions both during his administration and his 2024 presidential campaign.

The White House has yet to formally announce who will succeed her. According to reports, several senior officials are being considered for the position, including White House counsel David Warrington and staff members Will Scharf, Steven Cheung and Abigail Jackson.

Leavitt made history when she became the youngest White House press secretary in US history at the age of 27. She previously worked as an assistant press secretary during Trump’s first administration before becoming a prominent spokesperson for his 2024 presidential campaign.

Her departure marks a significant change in Trump's communications team, although her continued role as an outside adviser means she is likely to remain closely associated with the administration and the Republican political effort.