Poynter is reporting that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt concluded her tenure on Thursday, less than two years after becoming the youngest person to hold the position at age 27. Leavitt, now 29, told NewsNation’s “Morning in America” that speaking for President Donald J Trump was "the adventure of a lifetime." She cited the challenges of being a working mother with two young children as a primary reason for stepping down, stating the job requires a 24/7 commitment she currently cannot provide. Leavitt said she is offering advice to Trump on her replacement, though no clear frontrunner has emerged publicly. The White House is expected to use rotating officials for briefings, as Leavitt noted Trump is the "true communications director and press secretary."
The New Republic’s Edith Olmsted offered a critical perspective on Leavitt’s departure, writing that she "lied all the time," "parroted the president’s fake stories, conspiracy theories, and baseless accusations," and "antagonized his critics."
Regarding Leavitt’s future, Poynter noted that while The Daily Mail reported she was in "secret talks" to join ABC’s “The View,” CNN’s Brian Stelter clarified that Leavitt has only been invited as a guest. Stelter said the implication of her joining in a more official capacity was false, as all six co-hosts are returning for the new season.
The New York Times’ White House correspondent Maggie Haberman appeared on MS NOW’s “State of Play,” stating that it is "not a happy White House" and some staff members might follow Leavitt in departing. Haberman told Peter Alexander that Trump is "not in a great place with his staff" and is "lashing out a lot." Mediaite’s Zachary Leeman also covered these claims.
In other media news, The Washington Post reported that Stars and Stripes employees are suing the Pentagon over firings, alleging retaliation and First Amendment violations. CNN’s Hanako Montgomery and colleagues covered a deadly flash flood in Nepal and China. The New York Times’ Mike Isaac wrote about Mark Zuckerberg and Meta’s settlement, while Matt Richtel covered parents' reactions to it. The Wrap reported CNN experienced a second technical disruption in three days. PolitiFact’s Samantha Putterman found no evidence linking illegal immigration to a measles outbreak. The Atlantic’s Peter Wehner discussed the "Wrath of MAGA" in response to Jon Ossoff. Variety’s Guy Lodge celebrated the career of actor Tim Curry, who died at 80.