Karoline Leavitt is stepping down as White House press secretary at the end of August, and she says the decision comes down to one thing: her family. President Donald Trump announced her departure, praising Leavitt as one of the best press secretaries in the history of the office and saying he understood her desire to spend more time with her young children.

Leavitt, 29, made history when she became the youngest White House press secretary ever. But after returning from maternity leave following the birth of her second child in May, she realized how difficult it was to balance motherhood with one of the most demanding jobs in Washington. She described the experience as both rewarding and challenging.

In a statement on X, Leavitt explained that her children are the reason she is living and said she had reached a difficult realization: she could not be the mother her two young children deserve while giving the position the constant time, energy, and attention it requires. She called leaving a “bittersweet decision” and said she is ready to begin a new chapter.

Trump also said Leavitt will remain one of his top outside advisers and an influential voice within the Republican Party. While her replacement has not yet been announced, several administration officials—including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Scott Bessent—filled in during her maternity leave. For Leavitt, however, the next chapter appears to be less about the White House podium and more about being present for her children while continuing to advise Trump from outside the administration.