Karoline Leavitt’s White House goodbye may have lasted only a few minutes, but the outgoing press secretary has made one thing clear: she isn’t going far.
On Aug. 12, Leavitt first announced she would step down at the end of the month to spend more time with her two young children, saying she would miss the job, “but I love my kids even more.”
But her own words suggest the Trump White House has not seen the last of her.
Standing before reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, she offered a subtle clue, saying her departure may be less of an exit from President Donald Trump’s sphere than a simple change of position, telling reporters, “You guys will still see me all the time.”
As day turned to night, her next move took shape.
The 28-year-old announced that she plans to work for MAGA Inc., the Trump-aligned super PAC where she previously served as spokesperson. That means Leavitt may be leaving the briefing room, but she is staying firmly within Trump’s political machine — a move that has already prompted questions about whether her exit is really a departure at all.
Trump said previously that Leavitt would become “one of my top outside advisors” and remain an influential voice within the Republican Party as Republicans prepare for the 2026 midterm elections.
Now we know what that means.
Leavitt did not say what her new title will be at MAGA Inc., and the group did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to NBC News.
But her plan to stay in Trump’s orbit was on full display when the president brought her on stage at a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she received a loud ovation from the crowd.
While introducing her, Trump turned Leavitt’s decision to prioritize her family into an awkward joke from the stage.
“I also want to express our thanks to a wonderful woman here tonight, who has done an unbelievable job, it’s so sad. You know, you meet people, and you love people. But her name is Karoline, and she’s our press secretary, and she just had a baby, and I just learned she loves the baby more than she loves Donald Trump, and I’m very angry with her,” Trump said.
Miss-Lie-A-Lot KaroLying Leavitt deserves all of this public humiliation.
— 🫂Democratic_Socialists_Of_America (@LIBERALAF4EVER) August 22, 2026
"… her name is Karoline and she just had a baby, and I just learned she loves the baby more than she loves Donald Trump, and I'm very angry"pic.twitter.com/uXoY0L9TdQ
After reaching the podium, she praised Trump in terms that have become familiar during her time as one of his most loyal defenders.
“I just want to say — President Trump, you are the most consequential and historic president in the history of our great country.” Leavitt turned to the president and said, “It has been the honor of my life to serve as your press secretary, sir.”
She then urged supporters to help Republicans maintain control of Congress.
“I just want to let everyone know how hard this man works for you. You call him at 3 a.m., 6 a.m., he picks up the phone. He’s looking out for you!” she exhorted.
“He needs your help with a Republican Congress for the next two years so he can make our country greater, stronger and wealthier than ever before. So get out and vote!” Leavitt added.
❤️ WOW! President Trump just brought up outgoing press secretary KAROLINE LEAVITT on stage to give her a shoutout at the rally
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 22, 2026
The crowd went CRAZY for her:
"It has been the honor of my life to serve as your press secretary, sir." 🇺🇸
"I just want to say — President Trump, you… pic.twitter.com/SKkWo5FYhF
Leavitt gave birth to her second child in May and returned from maternity leave July 16. In her own announcement, she said she “felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary.”
Her decision drew a different reaction online, with some people questioning whether leaving the White House while remaining involved with Trump actually amounted to stepping away.
One commenter in particular held Leavitt to account for what she initially said she planned to do.
“Oh stay home lady, take care of your children and let your husband provide for your family needs. Isn’t that the philosophy you’re pushing???”
Others suggested another reason for the move.
“Hah! This is to keep her mouth shut. Leavitt has the skinny on too much inside baseball to set her free.”
Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in history when she took over the briefing room at 27.
During her 18 months in the job, she became one of the administration’s most visible defenders, frequently clashing with reporters over immigration, tariffs, presidential policy and coverage of Trump. Her exchanges often became stories themselves. She also changed the way the White House handled the press, emphasizing access for newer and nontraditional media organizations while asserting greater control over participation in the presidential press pool.
During a press conference on Aug. 24, Trump said Leavitt might be the ‘best of all time’ while Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who served as press secretary during his first term, was in the audience.
Let’s put it this way. They were both great, okay? Is that all right?” Trump said.
Trump on Karoline Leavitt and Sarah Huckabee Sanders: She has been a great, great press secretary. If I say you are the best of all time, I have Sarah sitting here. Let's put it this way. They were both great, okay? Is that all right? pic.twitter.com/pph7TeFPhv
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 24, 2026
Now, Trump must choose her replacement. Names reportedly under consideration include CNN contributor Scott Jennings, Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly and White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, according to various reports. Former Trump attorney Alina Habba has also been mentioned, though she said she is “not in the running for any job.”
