India, Aug. 13 -- White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Wednesday that she will step down from her role at the end of August, a surprise move that immediately set off speculation over who will take her place behind the White House briefing-room lectern.

Leavitt, 28, had become one of President Donald Trump's most prominent public-facing aides, regularly defending his policies and using the briefing room to announce administration news. Her departure came as a surprise to many insiders, particularly after she had appeared settled in the role and was viewed by some as a potential press secretary for Trump's entire second term.

Leavitt said she is leaving to spend more time raising her two young children, Niko, 2, and thre...