Karoline Leavitt will leave the White House weeks after returning from maternity leave, creating a high-profile vacancy in Donald Trump’s communications team months before the US midterm elections.

Trump announced that the 28-year-old press secretary would step down at the end of August to spend more time with her family. No successor was immediately named, leaving questions over who will become the administration’s next public face.

However, Leavitt is not cutting ties with Trump. She will remain one of his outside advisers and is expected to continue defending his agenda beyond the White House gates.

Why Is Karoline Leavitt Leaving?
Leavitt described her departure as a ‘bittersweet decision’ driven by the difficulty of balancing motherhood with one of Washington’s most demanding jobs.

She gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Viviana, in May and recently returned to the briefing room following maternity leave. Leavitt and her husband, property developer Nicholas Riccio, also have a young son.

Trump called her one of his most trusted aides and praised her performance as press secretary. His announcement did not suggest that she had been forced out or that the two had fallen out.

Instead, Leavitt’s move into an external advisory position means she could retain considerable political influence without facing the relentless schedule of a senior White House role.

Her departure date also gives the administration several weeks to select a replacement and manage the transition.

Who Could Replace Her?
Trump has not confirmed who will take control of the White House podium after Leavitt leaves.

Several names have surfaced in early speculation, including White House communications director Steven Cheung and Trump lawyer Alina Habba. Conservative media figures and former campaign officials have also been mentioned.

Read More: Karoline Leavitt Leaves Trump Without a Named Press Secretary After Maternity Return