Karoline Leavitt reveals where she’s headed next after leaving White House podium

WASHINGTON, DC: Karoline Leavitt is preparing to leave her job as the White House press secretary, but her next move will keep her firmly within President Donald Trump's political orbit.

Leavitt took what was described as her final ride on Air Force One as press secretary on Friday, August 21, accompanying Trump to South Carolina for a midterm campaign rally. During the flight, she opened up about leaving the high-profile White House role, and revealed where she will be headed next.

Karoline Leavitt is leaving the White House podium but not Trump’s orbit

Leavitt revealed that she will join MAGA Inc, the pro-Trump political action committee, after stepping down from her White House position at the end of August.

Her new role will not keep her far from Trump. She said she plans to accompany the president to Dallas in mid-September for the GOP midterm convention, this time traveling on the presidential plane with a different title. 

That means Leavitt's departure from the White House briefing room will not mark a complete break from the Trump administration's political world. Instead, she is moving from one of the most visible jobs in the White House to a role within Trump's wider political operation.

Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, became the youngest White House press secretary in history. Her decision to leave came shortly after she gave birth to her second child in May.

Karoline Leavitt says she will miss the job but puts her children first

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Leavitt made it clear that leaving the position is emotional for her. The 28-year-old, who turns 29 on Monday, said she will miss the job, “but I love my kids even more.”

“I’m gonna miss her,” Trump said of Leavitt before boarding the plane. 

According to Leavitt, however, the decision comes alongside a major change in her family life. 

She is leaving the press secretary role after returning from maternity leave and will first take a short vacation in her home state before returning to Washington, DC, for her new position.

Trump has not decided who will replace Karoline Leavitt

While Leavitt already knows what she will be doing next, the White House still does not have a confirmed replacement for her.

The search for the next press secretary remains an “open book,” according to a senior administration official.

Trump has also spoken about possible names for the position after expressing disappointment over Leavitt's departure.

When asked about reports that conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings could be considered, Trump said, “Scott Jennings is good.” He also joked that the job could go to longtime aide Margo Martin, who is known for sharing behind-the-scenes videos from the White House.