Outgoing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has been invited to appear as a guest on ABC’s “The View,” according to CNN, as she prepares to step down from her role at the end of August 2026.
The invitation marks a natural next step for Leavitt, who announced her departure earlier this month after serving as the youngest White House press secretary in history. An ABC source confirmed to CNN that Leavitt received the guest invite, though she would not be joining the show as a permanent co-host or guest host.
Leavitt has sidestepped questions about a potential television future, instead focusing on her stated reason for leaving: spending more time with her two young children, including a four-month-old daughter. In her final interview as press secretary, conducted on Fox & Friends on Thursday, she emphasized her desire to be present for her family during this stage of their lives.
Her next professional role is already set. Leavitt confirmed last week that she will return to MAGA Inc., President Trump’s super PAC, where she previously worked as a spokesperson. She told Fox News she intends to “serve the president on the outside” and “cheer him on over the next two years” in an outside advisory capacity, though she has not disclosed a specific title.
The booking follows a pattern established by former press secretaries who have transitioned into media roles. Jen Psaki, who served as White House press secretary under President Biden, joined MSNBC in 2022 and now hosts a talk show. Kayleigh McEnany, Trump’s former press secretary, became a Fox News contributor in 2021. Both leveraged their high-profile podium experience into on-air commentary and hosting roles.
“The View” frequently books political newsmakers and has a history of inviting figures from across the political spectrum as guest speakers. The invitation to Leavitt comes despite a contentious relationship between the Trump administration and ABC. The Trump-aligned Federal Communications Commission has been investigating “The View” over alleged equal-time violations related to candidate interviews, and Disney, ABC’s parent company, filed a First Amendment lawsuit in August challenging the FCC’s actions.
Leavitt, who gained a reputation for sharp exchanges with reporters during her tenure at the White House podium, offered a warmer farewell to the press corps during her final briefing on Thursday. “I’ll miss you guys,” she told reporters. “I know that’s probably not something anyone would expect me to say, but obviously it’s been great working with all of you.”
Sources
- CNN — confirmed the invitation from ABC, reported by Brian Stelter; details on Leavitt’s plans and the broader context of press secretary media careers
- Fox News — Leavitt’s confirmation of her return to MAGA Inc. and her comments about serving the president on the outside
- PBS NewsHour — reporting on Leavitt’s departure announcement and her stated reason for leaving
- The Los Angeles Times — details on Jen Psaki’s transition to MSNBC after serving as White House press secretary
