US President Donald Trump loses one of his closest colleagues in the White House: the White House spokeswoman, Caroline Leavitt, quits her job at the end of the month. Trump said on Wednesday afternoon (local time) that she wanted to spend more time with her family. She had only returned from maternity leave a month ago. On May 1st, the 28-year-old gave birth to her second child, a daughter.
Leavitt will now be one of his “most important external advisors” and an “influential voice within the Republican Party,” emphasized Trump. The successor in the White House was initially unclear. During Leavitt’s maternity leave from April to July, her first deputy, Anna Kelly, led the press briefings at the US Government Center.
Controversial among media representatives
Leavitt is the youngest White House press secretary to date. She is married to real estate entrepreneur Nicholas Riccio, who is 32 years her senior. Their son Nicholas was born in July 2024 during Trump’s presidential campaign. Back then, she returned to her post just a few days after giving birth.
Leavitt is controversial among media representatives. She regularly attacks journalists during her briefings in the White House and accuses them of “lying” and spreading “fake news” when reporting critically on President Trump. Under her leadership, access for a number of renowned media outlets was restricted, but Trump-friendly influencers and podcasters were added to the pool. Among those affected by the exclusion was the US news agency Associated Press (AP).