President's spokesperson Karoline Leavitt resigns as spokesperson for Donald Trump

Karoline Leavitt, the press secretary of U.S. President Donald Trump, has announced her resignation from her position, effective by the end of August. The decision comes after she gave birth to her second child earlier this year. Leavitt, who is just 28 years old, cited family reasons for stepping down, specifically mentioning the need to spend more time with her newborn daughter. She had previously returned to work shortly after giving birth in May, but ultimately decided to leave the White House. Leavitt’s departure was confirmed by Trump himself, who posted the news on his social media platform, Truth Social. He expressed understanding and respect for her choice, stating that he fully supported her decision to prioritize family life. In a statement, Trump praised Leavitt as one of the best press secretaries in the history of the White House and noted that she would continue to serve as an external advisor and influential voice within the Republican Party. Leavitt joined the White House in early 2025, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the role of press secretary. Before assuming this high-profile position, she worked in the White House communications department during Trump's first term, initially responding to public inquiries before moving into the press office. Her career path began with aspirations of becoming a journalist, but she soon transitioned into politics, drawn by the opportunities presented by working directly under Trump. Her tenure as press secretary marked a shift in how the White House engaged with the media. Critics argued that her approach was confrontational toward traditional media outlets, while supporters highlighted her efforts to provide access to conservative online platforms and influencers. Under her leadership, the White House opened its press briefings to a broader range of voices, reflecting a strategic move to align more closely with digital media trends. Leavitt shared her thoughts on leaving the White House through a post on X, expressing gratitude for the experiences and opportunities Trump provided. She described her time as press secretary as both an honor and an adventure, emphasizing the fulfillment of being a mother while managing one of the most demanding jobs in the world. However, she acknowledged that it had been the most challenging period of her life, leading her to make the difficult decision to step away. Born in 1997 in the state of New Hampshire, Leavitt studied political science and communication at a private Catholic university in her home state. Her educational background laid the foundation for her rapid ascent in politics, where she quickly rose through the ranks of the White House staff. She is married to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer nearly 30 years her senior, and they have two children together. Following her resignation, Leavitt will take on a new role as an external advisor to Trump and the Republican Party. Trump emphasized that she would remain one of his most important advisors and a key figure within the party. While her departure marks a significant change in the White House communications strategy, the identity of her successor has yet to be determined. The timing of Leavitt’s exit coincides with ongoing political developments and challenges facing the administration. Her decision reflects a growing trend among young professionals balancing high-stakes careers with personal commitments. As she transitions into a new phase of her career, her influence within the Republican Party is expected to remain substantial, shaping future policy discussions and media strategies.