Now
61°
Fri
72°
Sat
69°
by ALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk
WASHINGTON (TNND) — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt grew sentimental on her final day in the role Thursday, saying it is “probably not something anyone would expect” her to say, but she will miss working with the reporters she so often sparred with over President Donald Trump’s administration.
Leavitt called the day “bittersweet” and thanked reporters for being her “colleagues” and “partners” at the White House.
She said news briefings and television appearances make up only a small part of the job, with much of her time spent fielding reporters’ calls early in the morning and late at night.
“I won’t really miss that,” Leavitt joked. “But I will miss working with you guys every day.”
Leavitt confirmed last week that she is returning to Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC, though she has not disclosed her title. She previously worked for the group from 2022 to 2024 before joining Trump’s presidential campaign.
When asked whether she had advice for her yet-to-be-announced replacement, Leavitt said the most important thing is understanding that Trump is “his own best spokesperson.”
“We joke, Stephen Cheung and me, that he is the true communications director and press secretary here at the White House,” she said. “And just understanding that, knowing that, and believing in the mission.”
Leavitt said she believes deeply in Trump’s agenda and called it an honor to speak for him and relay his thinking to the public over the past 20 months, including during his campaign. She said she would “still be around,” but was going “to the other side” to spend more time with her children.
Leavitt gave birth to her second child in May and held her first briefing after maternity leave on July 16.
She also used her final appearance to stress that Trump is committed to helping Republicans retain control of Congress in November. Leavitt said Trump would continue traveling the country, meeting with voters and raising money for GOP candidates, including at a fundraiser in Texas later Thursday.
Trump spoke about Leavitt’s departure Friday, saying he had received an unusually large number of applications for the job.
“I’ve never had so many job applications in my life,” Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One for a trip to South Carolina, where he was set to attend a campaign rally in support of Sen. Darline Graham. “She’s made that job very glamorous.”
He added that Leavitt would remain one of his top outside advisers and an influential voice within the Republican Party.
The 28-year-old became the youngest White House press secretary in history when Trump began his second term in January 2025. MAGA Inc. is expected to play a major role in supporting Trump-backed candidates and Republican efforts ahead of the November midterm elections.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.
