Kathmandu— Karoline Leavitt will depart her role as White House press secretary at the end of the month, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday. Leavitt, 28, has served as a staunch defender of Trump and his policies since taking the position in January 2025, becoming the youngest person to ever hold the office. Trump stated that Leavitt is leaving to spend more time with her two young children, a decision he said he understands and respects. She previously worked for Trump during his first term, as well as for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and the MAGA Inc. super PAC.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Leavitt initially aspired to be a journalist before entering politics, joining the White House press office during Trump’s initial time in office under then-spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany. Following Trump's 2020 election loss, she transitioned to working for Representative Elise Stefanik, a prominent Republican supporter of the former president. She later launched an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2022 and served as a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., before joining Trump’s successful 2024 campaign.

A Devoted Defender of the President

Throughout her tenure, Leavitt has been a key figure in promoting Trump's ideology and views. However, she has also faced scrutiny for instances where she stretched the truth while defending his administration. Her first press conference included a false claim regarding US funding allocated to condoms in Gaza. She consistently defended Trump’s policies and deflected difficult questions, including those related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, while frequently criticizing mainstream media outlets.

Reflecting on Her Time in Office

In a post on X, Leavitt described her time as White House Press Secretary as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime.” She expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded to her by President Trump, including working in the West Wing, traveling internationally, and meeting people across the country. She cited the challenges of balancing motherhood with the demands of the position as the reason behind her ‘bittersweet decision’ to depart.

President Trump stated that Leavitt will remain one of his top outside advisors and an influential voice within the Republican Party.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.