BREAKING NEWS: Speaking with Fox News National Correspondent Alexis McAdams, Trump explained that Leavitt is departing at the end of the month because she loves her kids more than she loves him.
President Donald Trump quipped that he was “very concerned” about White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt preferring her children over him, as she gets ready to step down from her position in the administration. Speaking with Fox News National Correspondent Alexis McAdams, Trump explained that Leavitt is departing at the end of the month because she loves her kids more than she loves him. He also heaped praise on the departing press secretary, saying she cannot be replaced. “No, she’s not, she really isn’t,” Trump responded when questioned whether Leavitt is considered replaceable in the administration. “She’s done a great job. But I found out she likes her children more than she likes Trump, I’m very concerned about that!”
Trump then dodged the question when asked who should fill Leavitt’s shoes. Speculation about the next press secretary kicked off immediately after Leavitt announced her departure, with prominent Republican names, including commentator Scott Jennings and former Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, being floated as potential successors. “How about you?” Trump suggested to McAdams, proposing she take over from Leavitt. “She could do the job, I think so. What do you think, Karoline? I like her. I’ve always liked you, that’s why I’m doing this.”
Leavitt’s Resignation and Future Plans
Leavitt, 28, the youngest individual to ever occupy her role, revealed her resignation earlier this week, describing it as a “bittersweet decision” in a social media statement on Wednesday, shortly after President Donald Trump confirmed she would be leaving. She had recently made her return to the White House briefing room following the arrival of her second child, a daughter named Viviana, in May. She is also mother to a 2-year-old son. “The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have 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 – and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life,” Leavitt explained.
Trump has not revealed plans for her successor in the prominent position. In his own social media statement, he described her choice to step down as one “I totally understand and respect!” and suggested she would remain part of his inner circle. “Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections,” the president stated.
Leavitt’s Career Background
Prior to joining Trump’s 2024 campaign, Leavitt served as a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump. In 2022, she made a bid for Congress in New Hampshire, securing victory in a 10-way Republican primary before falling short in the general election against incumbent Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. During Trump’s first term, Leavitt worked as a press office aide at the White House before going on to serve as communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Compared to some of her recent predecessors, Leavitt made fewer appearances at the White House press room podium. With Trump himself regularly engaging with reporters at White House events and on the road, he primarily utilized Leavitt to appear on Fox News and other right-leaning outlets to promote his agenda and take aim at Democrats and the mainstream media. Among Trump’s first-term press secretaries were Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders, both notorious for their clashes with journalists. Stephanie Grisham, another of his press secretaries, never once held a briefing during her tenure. Her replacement, Kayleigh McEnany, frequently used her time at the briefing podium to admonish the press corps.
