Karoline Leavitt resigns as White House press secretary to prioritize family

Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person ever to hold the post, announced on Tuesday that she will step down as White House press secretary, effective next week. The announcement came during a brief statement released on the White House website, in which Leavitt thanked her staff and said she was leaving to focus on her family.

Leavitt joined the Biden administration in 2022 as a spokesperson for the Office of Public Engagement. She was promoted to press secretary in March 2023, becoming the first Black woman and the youngest individual to hold the position. During her tenure she was praised for her quick, concise answers and her adept use of social media to reach a broad audience. She also managed the White House’s daily briefing schedule and served as the main conduit between the President and the press.

In her statement, Leavitt said the demanding schedule and the constant media scrutiny made it difficult to spend enough time with her husband and two children. The role requires long hours, frequent on‑air appearances, and the pressure of handling breaking news. President Biden praised her professionalism and the energy she brought to the office, calling her a “valuable asset” to the administration. Deputy