Outgoing press secretary Karoline Leavitt is heading over to President Trump’s super PAC MAGA Inc. after stepping down from the White House podium, she said.
Aboard Air Force One on Friday, she told reporters she’ll return to the political fundraiser where she was its spokeswoman before joining the Trump 2024 campaign.
Her new career move comes just over one week after she announced she would leave at the end of August to spend more time with her growing family.
Ms. Leavitt told reporters that she will miss the White House job, “but I love my kids even more.”
She, her husband and two children will remain in Washington for a while, she said, adding, “You guys will still see me all the time.”
She did not say what her title would be at MAGA Inc.
The GOP-aligned super PAC holds over $403 million in cash, according to Federal Election Commission financial disclosures, having amassed its war chest primarily through contributions from conservative megadonors.
Friday’s trip to South Carolina for a rally supporting GOP Sen. Darline Graham was her last as press secretary, she said.
Ms. Leavitt also said she will be back for the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention scheduled for September.
Amid her departure notice, President Trump said she will transition into a role as one of his “top advisers” and remain an “influential voice within the Republican Party,” supporting midterm campaign efforts.
The president has not named a replacement for Ms. Leavitt. Administration officials report that he feels zero urgency to make an immediate selection and may hold off on naming a permanent successor until after the November elections.
“I will tell you this, and Karoline will tell you this, I have never seen so many job applications in my life,” Mr. Trump told reporters Friday.
The White House may temporarily rely on a rotating group of Cabinet officials and surrogates to lead press briefings, a strategy previously used when Ms. Leavitt took maternity leave.
Public speculation and prediction markets have focused on various media figures and communications operatives, such as CNN commentator Scott Jennings, though several rumored names have publicly downplayed their involvement.
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