Karoline Leavitt to leave White House press secretary role
The White House press secretary is stepping down at the end of August, a notable shakeup in Trump's communications team.
- Karoline Leavitt, the youngest press secretary in history, is leaving after a year and a half, citing the demands of the job while raising two young children.
- Trump praised her and said she will stay on as one of his top outside advisers.
- There is no immediate replacement lined up; cabinet members will handle briefings as needed for now.
- Critics say her tenure damaged the relationship between the White House and the press, including banishing the AP over the "Gulf of America" renaming.
- The exit comes as the administration plans to spend at least $900 million on White House construction, including a new ballroom.
Outlook: A successor is expected soon, and Leavitt is widely seen as heading toward a future at Fox News or possibly her own run for office.