Kathmandu— President Donald Trump announced that Karoline Leavitt is stepping down as White House press secretary at the end of the month to prioritize her family following the birth of her second child. Leavitt, who has served in various communication roles for Trump since 2018, will remain a top outside advisor and influential voice within the Republican Party. Her departure follows a recent return from maternity leave after giving birth to daughter Viviana in May. Leavitt’s tenure was marked by a combative style at the podium and an expansion of media access to include bloggers and social media influencers, aligning with Trump's broader approach to media engagement. She is the first—and so far only—person to serve as press secretary during Trump’s second term.

A Rising Star in Trump's Orbit

Leavitt began her career in Trump’s orbit as an intern in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence, quickly advancing to become a spokesperson by the end of his first term in January 2021. She continued to support Trump after his defeat in the 2020 presidential election, working for MAGA Inc., a super PAC associated with his “Make America Great Again” movement. In 2021, she launched an unsuccessful bid for the US House of Representatives representing New Hampshire’s first congressional district before becoming primary spokesperson for Trump's 2024 campaign.

Combative Style and Media Access

Leavitt became known for her assertive approach during White House briefings, often clashing with reporters. Early in her tenure, she challenged a reporter from The Associated Press, stating, “I think it’s insulting that you’re trying to test my knowledge of economics and the decisions that this president has made.” She also broadened access to the briefing room, giving priority to bloggers and social media influencers—particularly those with right-wing viewpoints—a move she framed as mirroring Trump's campaign strategy. “In keeping with this revolutionary media approach that President Trump deployed during the campaign, the Trump White House will speak to all media outlets and personalities, not just the legacy media who are seated in this room,” she said at her inaugural briefing.

Departures Among Senior Officials

Leavitt’s departure is the latest in a series of staffing changes within Trump's second administration. This year has seen several high-level officials either fired or resign, including former Attorney General Pam Bondi and ex-Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. Other departures include Lori Michelle Chavez-DeRemer, former Secretary of Labour, and Todd Lyon, acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), all amid scrutiny over their leadership.

Restrictions on Press Access

During Leavitt’s time as press secretary, the White House implemented new restrictions on journalists' access to the executive branch. Last October, a rule was announced limiting reporters’ ability to access her office for reporting purposes. There were also disputes with The Associated Press over terminology—specifically Trump’s preference for “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico”—leading to attempts to ban AP members from presidential events. Critics argued these actions curtailed government transparency and violated the First Amendment.

Leavitt is the only individual to have served as White House press secretary during Trump's second term, a contrast to his first term which saw four people hold the position. She will continue to advise President Trump as the Republican Party prepares for the upcoming midterm elections.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.