White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to leave her position at the end of August, saying she wants to spend more time with her family after the birth of her second child. Trump has said Leavitt will remain an outside adviser, while James Braid, the White House director of legislative affairs and a key liaison with Congress, is scheduled to depart in September. Braid played a significant role in helping the administration advance legislation through Congress, including Trump's signature tax and spending package.

The departures come as the administration enters a politically important period before November's congressional elections. Presidential administrations commonly experience staff turnover as midterm campaigns approach, as political aides leave government for campaign work or other positions. But the exits of officials who have worked closely with Trump have drawn attention because the president has relied heavily on a relatively small group of trusted advisers. The administration is also facing a demanding legislative calendar and political uncertainty over control of Congress after the elections.