President Donald Trump offered unusually personal praise for outgoing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, calling her effectively “irreplaceable” as she prepared to leave the administration. Trump highlighted the relationship they developed during the 2024 campaign, transition and her time in the White House, while saying she had done a great job.
Leavitt announced that she would step down after the birth of her second child, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family. Trump said she would remain connected to his political operation as an outside adviser. During an August interview, he joked that Leavitt preferred her children to him and even jokingly suggested Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams as her replacement.
At 28, Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in American history. She had previously worked as national press secretary for Trump’s 2024 campaign, giving her experience with his communication style. Her confrontational briefings made her a highly recognizable figure, with supporters praising her aggressive defense of Trump and critics arguing that her approach blurred the line between government communication and partisan politics.
Leavitt’s departure marks a major change for the administration, but not necessarily an end to her political involvement. Trump has indicated that she will continue as an outside adviser, particularly as Republicans approach the 2026 midterm elections. While another person can take over the briefing-room podium, Trump’s comments emphasized that the experience, trust and personal relationship Leavitt developed with him will be difficult to duplicate.