Karoline Leavitt Announces Departure from White House, Will Serve as Outside Adviser to Trump

Karoline Leavitt, the 28-year-old press secretary, announced her departure from the White House on Wednesday, stating she will support President Donald Trump as an "outside adviser." This announcement follows a memo from the Justice Department that extends the president's "executive privilege" to private advisers. Legal correspondent Lisa Rubin noted that the memo is the department's interpretation of its policy and questioned whether Leavitt would qualify as a private adviser after leaving the administration. The memo defines "private adviser" broadly, potentially including anyone the president communicates with for advice. Conservative commentator Amanda Carpenter suggested that the memo may be an attempt to shield Trump from accountability. Trump confirmed Leavitt's departure on social media, indicating she would remain an influential voice within the Republican Party. No immediate successor has been named, but sources suggest Scott Jennings is the frontrunner to replace her.