*Karoline Leavitt took what she described as her final ride aboard Air Force One as White House press secretary Friday (08-21-26) as her Aug. 30 departure from President Donald Trump’s administration draws closer.
But Leavitt, 28, isn’t leaving Trump’s political orbit. She confirmed to reporters aboard Air Force One that she plans to return to MAGA Inc., where she previously worked in communications before joining Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Leavitt announced Aug. 12 that she would step down at the end of the month to spend more time with her young family. The mother of two cited the demands of the job and her desire to devote more time to her family.
Trump supported her decision, saying he “totally understand and respect” it and promising Leavitt would remain a “top outside advisor” and influential voice in the Republican Party.
On Friday, Leavitt was alongside Trump as he answered reporters’ questions before boarding Air Force One and later spoke with journalists during the flight.
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Karoline Leavitt announced her resignation 24 hours after she found out that Trump left her for dead on a plane he thought could be shot out of the sky. https://t.co/5lMz9MiSSQ
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) August 12, 2026
According to the White House pool report, Leavitt told reporters it would be her last trip aboard Air Force One as press secretary. She also made clear that leaving the White House doesn’t mean leaving the MAGA movement.
Leavitt said she plans to join Trump at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas before returning home to New Hampshire for a short family vacation.
Asked specifically what she will do after leaving the White House, Leavitt confirmed she is returning to MAGA Inc.
Trump’s affection for his outgoing press secretary was evident Friday.
“By the way, are we gonna miss Karoline? I’m gonna miss her,” Trump said.
At another point, Trump motioned for Leavitt to move closer as he praised her work and held up papers showing favorable headlines about his administration.
“I feel so good with her,” Trump said as he stood next to his spokeswoman.
Leavitt has become one of the administration’s most visible defenders, frequently taking on reporters during White House briefings while promoting Trump’s policies and political message.
Her departure now leaves Trump with a significant question: Who gets the podium next?
Trump has not officially announced Leavitt’s successor, but he floated two names Friday when reporters asked who might take over the job.
One was Margo Martin, a White House staffer who travels with Trump and documents his activities for social media.
The other was Scott Jennings, the conservative political commentator and CNN contributor whose name has been discussed as a possible candidate for the position.
It was unclear from Trump’s remarks whether either name represented a serious contender or whether the president was simply entertaining possibilities with reporters.
Trump did not identify anyone as Leavitt’s designated successor.
For Leavitt, meanwhile, Friday’s Air Force One trip carried the symbolism of a farewell without marking the end of her political work with Trump. Her planned return to MAGA Inc. puts her back inside the political operation after she leaves the White House.
The tailwinds of Air Force One may soon be behind her, but Karoline Leavitt’s MAGA journey isn’t ending at the White House gates.
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