WASHINGTON — Karoline Leavitt’s departure from the White House press secretary position has not ended her involvement in President Donald Trump’s political operation. Instead, Leavitt is moving into an outside role connected to Trump’s political network as Republicans approach the 2026 midterm elections.
Leavitt confirmed in August that she would return to MAGA Inc., the Trump-aligned super PAC where she previously worked. Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, she said she expected to remain visible after leaving the White House.
“You guys will still see me all the time,” Leavitt said, according to reports of the exchange. She did not specify a formal title or provide a detailed description of her responsibilities at MAGA Inc.
Her move followed Trump’s announcement on August 12 that Leavitt would leave the administration at the end of the month so she could spend more time with her family. Trump also said she would become one of his top outside advisers and remain an influential voice within the Republican Party.
From White House Press Room to Political Operation
Leavitt became one of the most recognizable members of Trump’s second administration after taking over as White House press secretary in January 2025.
At the time of her appointment, she was 27 and became the youngest person ever to hold the position. During her tenure, she served as the administration’s principal spokesperson at the White House and regularly defended Trump’s policies during briefings and television appearances.
The White House highlighted her tenure in an August 27 statement marking her final day in the position, describing her as the 36th White House press secretary. Trump publicly praised her work and called her one of the strongest press secretaries in the history of the office.
Leavitt’s tenure also coincided with significant changes in the White House’s approach to media access. The administration expanded opportunities for newer digital outlets and influencers to participate in briefings while changing some longstanding arrangements involving the White House press pool.
A Return to Familiar Political Ground
Leavitt’s move back into the Trump political operation represents a return to work she had already done before entering the White House.
She worked for MAGA Inc. after her unsuccessful 2022 congressional campaign in New Hampshire and later became national press secretary for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Before that, she worked in the White House press office during Trump’s first administration and later served as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik.
Her transition therefore keeps her connected to the political organization she worked with before joining the administration.
The timing is also significant because the 2026 midterm elections are approaching. Trump has said Leavitt would remain involved as an outside adviser and political voice, while reporting has described her new position as part of the broader effort surrounding his political movement and the Republican Party.
Family Considerations Behind the Departure
Trump announced Leavitt’s departure shortly after she returned from maternity leave. She gave birth to her second child, a daughter, in May and said that serving as White House press secretary had been an important part of her career.
In announcing her departure, Leavitt described her time in the administration as an honor and said her political work would continue outside the White House.
Her decision means she will no longer speak for the administration in an official capacity. Instead, her future role will place her outside the federal government while keeping her involved with Trump’s political activities.
White House Looks for a Successor
Leavitt’s departure also created a vacancy in one of the most visible communications positions in the administration.
As she completed her final days in office, no permanent successor had yet been formally announced. The White House said goodbye to Leavitt on August 27, marking the end of her tenure in the briefing room.
Her next chapter will therefore be outside the administration but still closely connected to Trump’s political organization. Her return to MAGA Inc. places her in a familiar political environment while allowing her to spend more time with her family and continue political communications work without holding an official White House position.
