WASHINGTON—Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary in history, will depart her role at the end of the month, President Donald Trump announced Aug. 12.

“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, a decision I totally understand and respect!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections.”

The president thanked the 28-year-old for her work ethic and commitment.

“Karoline has been a real leader in the White House, and has done a phenomenal job fighting for Justice, Liberty, and Freedom, since 2018, including our Historic Re-Election Campaign of 2024,” Trump wrote. “Karoline has been one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office.”

Leavitt explained the change in a statement on X, published shortly after the president’s announcement.

“Serving as the White House press secretary over the past year and a half has been the honor and adventure of a lifetime,” Leavitt wrote. “I am incredibly grateful to President Trump for granting me so many extraordinary opportunities, such as working in the West Wing and spending countless hours in the Oval Office, flying around the world and meeting foreign leaders, and traveling across our beautiful country and meeting Americans from all walks of life.”

She outlined the circumstances of her departure, having given birth to her second child in May.

“Being a mother and welcoming a 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,” Leavitt said.

“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.”

Leavitt oversaw major transformations in the press briefing room, expanding access to new media and White House correspondents from around the world.

This story will be updated with additional details.