Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House Press Secretary at the end of the month, according to her statement on X. She cited the demands of the role and her family responsibilities: "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."
Leavitt's Tenure and Departure
Leavitt has been one of the most visible members of the second Trump administration. During her tenure, she faced criticism for repeated false statements, berating journalists from the podium, and overseeing an influx of right-wing propagandists in the press room. She was also the face of the decision to exclude the Associated Press from some Trump events after they refused to rename the Gulf of Mexico in their stylebook.
A source told CNN that during her month off in May following the birth of her daughter, Trump would often contact her "and, at times, asked when she planned to return." It remains unclear whether her departure was forced or voluntary.
Potential Successors
Anna Kelly, one of Leavitt's deputies, is considered an obvious choice for continuity. Steven Cheung, the White House Communications Director, is described as one of the most combative people in the White House, which might make him a noisy fit for the role.
Alina Habba, a former Trump advisor and lawyer, leads the top bets on American prediction markets. She stepped down as acting US Attorney for New Jersey after an appeals court found her interim appointment had expired and the administration failed to get Senate confirmation. She is one of several "interim" Trump administration prosecutors whose appointments have been challenged.
