Karoline Leavitt announced she is leaving her post as White House press secretary by the end of August, but her farewell post on X was immediately flagged with a community note disclosing it had been AI-generated.
Announcement and Reaction
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced that his press secretary would depart her role by the end of August. The 28-year-old is reportedly stepping down to devote more time to her young children and family, a decision the president said he "totally understands and respects."
Leavitt bid goodbye in a lengthy post on X, writing: "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 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."
Community Note and Criticism
Her sentiments carried less weight once a brief note from X confirmed the post was "made with AI." The outgoing press secretary was swiftly taken to task in the comments section.
One user wrote: "Um... weren't you the same person calling Gen Z lazy a month ago? I guess the rules of not wanting to work don't apply to you. Most mothers don't get the luxury of staying at home because their family NEEDS two incomes." Another questioned: "Why does this say 'Made with AI?'" A third remarked: "Like.... wuht?" A fourth added: "There will never be another person as good at telling a lie with a straight face as Karoline Leavitt."
Career and Personal Life
Last year, Leavitt made history as the youngest individual ever to hold the role of White House press secretary. It remained unclear who would step in to fill her position.
In May, Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their second child, a baby girl. She also has a son who is 2 years old. Last month, she returned to her duties following maternity leave.
She described her role as "the honor and adventure of a lifetime" in a post on X following the president's announcement. "Being a mother and welcoming a new baby while working in one of the most demanding jobs in the world has been the most rewarding yet challenging season of my life, to say the least," she wrote.
"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," she continued.
Prior to her role as White House press secretary, she enjoyed an extensive career working alongside Trump, initially serving as an assistant press secretary and speechwriter during his first term in office. She subsequently went on to serve as communications director for New York's Republican representative Elise Stefanik.
