Donald Trump's White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is stepping down from her position later this month.
The 28-year-old, who made history as the youngest person ever to hold the role, will leave the podium at the end of August but remain involved with the administration as a senior adviser.
Trump announced the move on social media, praising Leavitt as one of his most trusted aides.
“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,” he said.
“Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party.”
Leavitt has been one of Trump's most outspoken defenders since becoming press secretary, regularly facing journalists during combative briefings.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a White House Press Briefing. Photo credit, Photo Ibo, Shutterstock
She returned to the White House in July following the birth of her second child, Viviana, in May.
However, she said becoming a mother again had made her reconsider the demands of the role.
“I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve,” she said.
She thanked Trump for giving her the opportunity to speak for his administration, saying: “I am thankful to the President for entrusting me with the distinct privilege of speaking on his behalf at the White House podium.”
“I have relished holding the liberal media accountable and ensuring the American people hear the truth about President Trump's successes.”
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a White House Press Briefing. Photo credit: Joey Sussman, Shutterstock
The Irish Examiner has highlighted some of the defining moments of Leavitt's time as press secretary.
She oversaw the introduction of a “new media” seat in the White House briefing room, opening the door for more conservative commentators and outlets supportive of Trump's administration.
Her team also attempted to take control of the White House press pool, a move rejected by the independent White House Correspondents' Association.
Leavitt was among those involved in the dispute with the Associated Press, which was blocked from the press pool after refusing to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America”.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a White House Press Briefing. Photo credit, Photo Ibo, Shutterstock
Her loyalty to Trump was also evident when she faced questions over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
As pressure mounted over documents connected to the disgraced financier, Leavitt defended the president during a briefing.
“These emails prove absolutely nothing other than the fact that President Trump did nothing wrong,” she said.
She was also frequently involved in heated exchanges with reporters.
@dailymailpolitics Donald Trump has announced Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is leaving her position at the end of the month. The 28-year-old was the youngest person to ever hold the position. #news #politics #trump #karolineleavitt ♬ original sound - Daily Mail Politics
During a January briefing, she challenged Belfast-born journalist Niall Stanage after he questioned her about the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer.
Leavitt accused him of being a “leftwing hack” and said: “You're not a reporter, posing in this room as a journalist.”
Her time in the role has nevertheless been historic.
Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary at just 27 and later became the first expectant press secretary after announcing her pregnancy.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt pushes a stroller at the White House Easter Egg Roll. Photo credit: Joey Sussman, Shutterstock
She first worked for Trump during his first term in office and later served as his spokesperson during his successful 2024 presidential campaign.
She also unsuccessfully ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022.
Leavitt has previously made clear that she sees her future in politics, saying: “My fight is entering a new phase, but it is far from over.”
She is expected to remain a significant figure in Trump's political operation even after leaving the White House press secretary role.
