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 Friday.
Aboard Air Force One, she told reporters she will be returning to the political fundraiser, having been its spokesperson before joining the Trump 2024 campaign.
Her new career move comes just over one week after she announced she would be leaving at the end of August to spend more time with her growing family.
Ms. Leavitt told reporters that she will miss the job, “but I love my kids even more.”
She and her family will remain in Washington for a while, 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 on hand, according to Federal Election Commission financial disclosures, having amassed its war chest primarily through massive contributions from conservative megadonors and billionaires.
Friday’s trip to South Carolina for a rally supporting GOP Sen. Darline Graham will be 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 yet named a permanent replacement for Ms. Leavitt, and 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 midterm 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 high-profile 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.
