Karoline Leavitt Walks Away From White House For This Reason
Karoline Leavitt officially left her role as White House press secretary in late August to focus on her two young children. She confirmed she will return to television as a Fox News contributor starting November 1. The 29-year-old made these announcements during a casual "Ask Me Anything" session with her 3.1 million Instagram followers.
Leavitt, who served from January 2025 until August 2026, said the high-pressure job required constant availability. "As Press Sec, I was working in the office 60+ hours a week, traveling the world, and always on call 24/7," Leavitt said. She contrasted that intense schedule with her current reality as a mother. Currently, I reside with my children daily and participate in occasional television appearances. These things are not the same, ma'am, Leavitt said.
When followers asked about her free time, she laughed and admitted the truth of modern motherhood. "Haha. I don't have free time." Being a mother to two small children, I consider myself fortunate to shower without interruption, she answered. Despite the lack of downtime, she expressed deep satisfaction with her current path. However, this stage of my life is what I am experiencing, and I would not choose differently. she wrote.
Leavitt explained that she hides her children's faces in photos due to the dangers of her former job. "I wish I didn't feel the need to do this because my kids are so dang cute and I am so proud of them," she stated. She noted that she received significant threats and negativity while serving as press secretary. "I feel it's the right thing to do to protect their innocence," she added.
She also discussed her relationship with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, who is 32 years her senior. Leavitt defended their age gap by urging others to follow their own hearts. "Marrying this man was the best decision I ever made," she said of Riccio. She noted that people understand their bond once they meet him. "He's the absolute best husband and dad in the world," she said.
Leavitt offered a direct defense of President Trump's private character against media portrayals. "People don't see this side of him because the media doesn't show it but he has been nothing but kind and uplifting to me, even since departing," she said. She described him as "the best boss" and noted his sense of humor. "He's also hilarious. Love him!" she added.
Looking ahead, she confirmed her upcoming move to Fox News and her plan to vote in New Hampshire. I will formally become a TV Contributor for Fox News on November 1st, meaning I will keep appearing on multiple programs. she wrote. She also shared advice for young people seeking careers in politics. "My advice to people who want to get into politics or comms is to get real-world experience when you're in college," she said.
Leavitt has already begun producing content for her new role, including a "Get Ready With Me" makeup video. "Yes I will do this, people have been asking!" she said regarding the video. She achieved a record as the youngest White House press secretary ever while serving in that role. In the initial Trump administration, she held positions as a presidential writer and assistant press secretary previously. Her next chapter begins this fall with a clear focus on family and media work.