Washington: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has decided to step down from her position, saying the demands of the job have made it difficult to strike the balance she wants between public service and raising her two young children.
Leavitt announced the decision in a statement, reflecting on her time as one of the most visible faces of the Trump administration. She described the role as a defining experience and thanked President Donald Trump for placing his confidence in her.
The decision follows the birth of her daughter and her return to work at the White House. Leavitt said that since returning, she had increasingly felt that the responsibilities attached to the press secretary’s office were leaving her unable to give her children the attention they need.
‘I cannot be the best mom’
Explaining her decision, Leavitt said the press secretary’s job requires an almost constant commitment of time, energy and attention. She acknowledged that combining those demands with motherhood had been the most challenging period of her life.
Rather than continuing to struggle with that balance, she said she had chosen to leave the administration and begin a new phase of her life.
The announcement marks a significant change for an administration in which Leavitt has been a prominent public communicator, regularly defending the president and outlining the White House’s position on major political issues.
Trump asks Leavitt to remain involved
Her departure from the White House, however, is not expected to end her association with Trump.
Leavitt said Trump had asked her to continue serving as one of his top advisers from outside the administration. She also pledged to remain an active supporter of the MAGA movement and the Republican Party.
In her statement, she argued that the political battle facing the country remains unfinished and said she intends to continue contributing even after leaving her official government position.
Reflects on White House experience
Leavitt recalled several highlights from her tenure, including working inside the West Wing, spending time in the Oval Office, travelling internationally with the administration and meeting people across the United States.
She described speaking from the White House podium as a particularly important responsibility, saying she was proud of communicating the administration’s record directly to the American public.
She also thanked White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Cabinet officials, members of her team and other colleagues for their support during her time in government.
Family behind the decision
Leavitt reserved special thanks for her husband and family, acknowledging the sacrifices they made while she served in the administration.
Her decision places family considerations at the heart of her departure, while her planned role as an outside adviser means she is likely to remain a familiar figure within Trump’s political circle.
For Leavitt, the move represents a change in where she serves rather than an end to her political involvement.
