White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt marked her final day in the role Thursday, acknowledging that a roster of potential replacements has been floated but stressing that President Trump has yet to make a final call.
“As for who the president chooses next, it is a decision that is entirely up to him,” Leavitt said during an appearance on NewsNation, The Hill’s sister network. She noted that the job requires a deep level of trust, adding, “Obviously whoever takes this job—you spend a lot of time with the president—has to be someone he wholeheartedly trusts and believes in.”
The outgoing press secretary said she has offered her own recommendations to Trump, calling the role “a blessing, a privilege, and an honor.” She added, “Whoever gets the job next is a very lucky person to work for this president at this moment in history, and I’ll be here to help every step of the way.”
Leavitt confirmed she will continue as an outside adviser, with plans to join Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC. Her exact title has not been disclosed. Trump, in announcing her departure, said she would be “an influential voice within the Republican Party” heading into the midterms.
Reflecting on her time in the briefing room, Leavitt credited Trump with teaching her how to engage the press. “He was, of course, a businessman, built a business empire in New York City, and was on the front pages of many tabloids and was spinning up the press before I was even alive,” she said. “He’s a pro.”
Leavitt also spoke about the personal challenges of balancing the high-pressure job with motherhood. She gave birth to her first child in July 2024, returning to work just three days later after the attempted assassination of Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Her second child arrived in May, and she resumed briefings in mid-July before announcing her exit earlier this month.
“Every day as a working mother is a challenge,” she said. “You have to make sacrifices. You have to prioritize your time, and you have to say no to a lot of opportunities that come your way because you want to be there for bedtime with your kids every night.”
Leavitt’s tenure lasted 20 months, making her the youngest press secretary in U.S. history at age 27 when she took the job. She called the experience “the honor and blessing of my life” and described Trump as “the best boss.”
As she steps away, the search for her successor remains fluid. The decision, Leavitt emphasized, rests entirely with the president.
