'There will never be another like him': Karoline Leavitt says goodbye to White House role

WASHINGTON, DC: Karoline Leavitt used her final interview as White House press secretary to praise President Donald Trump, calling her service under him an “honor and blessing of a lifetime.”

She said she was leaving because her two young children need their mother home more, while she plans to remain a top outside adviser.

Leavitt made the remarks on Thursday, August 27, on Fox News as her White House tenure neared its end on Friday, after 20 months behind the podium.

Karoline Leavitt calls Trump unlike any other president

Leavitt said her departure was “a little bit bittersweet,” describing her time as Trump's spokesperson as an extraordinary personal and professional experience.

“There will never be another like him,” Leavitt said of Trump. 

She also called serving as his spokesperson “the adventure of a lifetime” and said she was grateful he had believed in her.

“It’s been the honor and blessing of a lifetime to work for this president, President Trump,” she said.

Leavitt said Trump had been understanding of her decision to step back so she could spend more time with her children, who are 2 years old and 4 months old.

“They’re just at a critical time in their life where they need their mom home a little bit more,” she said.

Karoline Leavitt will remain part of Trump's political operation

Leavitt is returning to MAGA Inc, Trump's super PAC, where she previously served as spokesperson before joining the Trump campaign.

She has also said she will continue as a top outside adviser to Trump and indicated she would remain visible around the president.

“You guys will still see me all the time,” Leavitt told reporters earlier this month aboard Air Force One, when she confirmed the trip to Myrtle Beach for a campaign rally would be her last day as press secretary.

She also indicated she would join Trump for the Republican Convention in September.

Trump announced Leavitt's departure earlier this month, saying she would remain “an influential voice within the Republican Party” as he worked toward the midterm elections.

No replacement has been named yet

Trump has not settled on a replacement for Leavitt, according to administration officials close to the situation, as per CBS News.

For now, White House press briefings will rotate among top administration officials rather than members of the White House press and communications staff, the outlet said.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has been considering potential replacements, but the process remains ongoing, and there are no front-runners, as per the outlet.  

Republican commentator Scott Jennings had been floated but was considered unlikely to receive the job.

Leavitt's team will remain in place and report to Communications Director Steven Cheung. 

Her executive assistant, Kieghan Nangle, will move into a press wrangler role.

Leavitt said her decision became clearer after returning from maternity leave following the birth of her daughter.

“The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House press secretary,” she wrote on X earlier this month.

She said she was beginning “a new chapter” while continuing to serve Trump from outside the White House.