WASHINGTON (TNND) — White House officials and senior members of the Trump administration are praising Karoline Leavitt following the announcement that she will leave her position as White House press secretary at the end of August to spend more time with her young children and family.
Leavitt, who became the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary, announced her departure as President Donald Trump praised her as one of his most trusted aides. Trump said she will remain an outside adviser and an influential Republican voice after leaving the administration.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of reaction from senior administration officials, many of whom highlighted Leavitt’s work defending the president and communicating his agenda while also emphasizing her role as a young mother.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino offered a personal tribute, writing directly to Leavitt, “You’re the greatest, @PressSec! SO happy and proud of you! You’ve done a phenomenal job, and will continue to do so.”
Scavino also encouraged Leavitt to enjoy the time with her children, writing, “Enjoy every moment of those children; it goes by SO fast.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also thanked Leavitt for her service, saying she played a “pivotal role” in what he described as the administration’s “historic accomplishments.”
“Wishing her and her family nothing but the best in their next chapter!” Rubio said.
Stephen Miller, one of Trump’s most senior advisers, called Leavitt an extraordinary figure in both the administration and the broader conservative movement.
“She has served this president so well, this administration so well, this country so well,” Miller said. He also praised Leavitt as “a role model to millions and millions of young women all across this country, a mother, a family woman, a press secretary, a patriot.”
Miller said Leavitt’s influence extends well beyond her time behind the White House podium.
“Her role in this movement and this country is only beginning,” he said.
He also described Leavitt as “a source of joy” to many of those who have worked alongside her, saying her professional record was “second to none.”
“Her job that she has performed as White House Press Secretary, the word exemplary doesn’t even begin to cover it,” Miller said.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung also praised Leavitt, calling her “the best teammate” and highlighting her loyalty and composure under pressure.
“Karoline has been the best teammate. She is fiercely loyal, unflappable, and a great person who serves the President with honor,” Cheung said.
“Although this is a sad day, we’re so happy for her and her family,” he added. “It’s never ‘goodbye.’ It’s always ‘see you down the road.'”
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who said she has worked with Leavitt for years, described her as “one of the smartest, kindest, savviest, and most talented people I’ve ever had the blessing to work alongside.”
“A true patriot’s patriot,” Rollins said. “And she’ll have many, many more years of successfully battling for America ahead.”
For now, however, Rollins said Leavitt’s priorities should be with her children.
“But for now, she gets to spend these immediate next precious weeks and months and early years with her two greatest blessings,” Rollins said. “No more important job in the world than that.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also praised Leavitt’s tenure, calling her “the most successful Press Secretary in history” and describing her communication style as “always strong, clear and right to the point.”
“She has accomplished so much already in her young career, I cannot wait to see where her future takes us,” Lutnick said.
Lutnick also credited Leavitt with serving as a prominent advocate for Trump and his agenda.
“There has been no better spokesperson for President Trump and his Administration,” he said.
Vice President JD Vance also praised Leavitt’s performance in one of the administration’s most difficult communications positions.
“Karoline Leavitt has one of the hardest jobs in the Administration — dealing with the relentless attacks from the fake news media,” Vance said.
He credited her with approaching the role with “grace, wit and a smile on her face” and called her one of the administration’s most effective advocates.
“She’s been one of the most effective voices in articulating and defending the President’s agenda, and I’m incredibly grateful to her,” Vance said.
Vance also acknowledged the unique demands of the position for a young parent.
“I know how difficult yet rewarding a constant job like this can be for a young parent,” he said. “We’re sad to see her go, but I know she’ll continue to do great things.”
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles offered perhaps the most comprehensive tribute, calling Leavitt “nothing short of extraordinary.”
“You have taken on one of the toughest jobs in Washington with confidence, discipline, grace and an unmatched ability to deliver the President’s message,” Wiles said. “Simply put, you are the greatest @PressSec.”
Wiles also emphasized Leavitt’s role away from the podium, saying, “You’ve let us see the woman behind the podium.”
“It has been a privilege to watch you excel as a professional while also being an incredible wife and devoted mom,” Wiles said.
“You’ve made all of us, who have had the privilege of working alongside you, so proud,” she added. “I am blessed to call you dear friend and I’m excited to see what your next chapter looks like.”
FBI Director Kash Patel thanked Leavitt for her service and described her as both a close friend and one of the strongest communicators to hold the position.
“Thank you, Karoline,” Patel said. “A true friend and one of the greatest to ever stand at that podium.”
Patel praised the way Leavitt handled the demands of representing the administration before the White House press corps.
“You handled the job with strength and clarity,” Patel said. “Grateful for everything you gave this fight. Excited for what’s next.”
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner also praised Leavitt’s work while emphasizing her decision to prioritize her family.
“Karoline Leavitt is a true patriot and friend,” Turner said. “She is a fearless and compassionate leader and a strong voice to drive President Trump’s work for the American people.”
Turner said Leavitt’s presence behind the White House podium will be missed but expressed support for her decision to step away.
“I will miss her presence at the podium, but her calling to serve her family comes first,” Turner said.
Leavitt’s departure comes after roughly 20 months in the role. She recently returned to work after giving birth to her second child, Viviana, on May 1, and had stepped back from some of her responsibilities while on leave.
Leavitt initially left for maternity leave in late April but briefly returned to the podium on April 27 to address the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
She was the first pregnant White House press secretary in U.S. history.