President Donald Trump brought outgoing White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt onto the stage during a rally in South Carolina, where she received a warm reaction from the crowd and delivered an emotional tribute to the president.
The moment took place during a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on August 21, 2026, held in support of Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham. Leavitt is preparing to leave her position as White House press secretary at the end of August.
Trump called Leavitt onto the stage during the event, recognizing her service as his administration’s top spokesperson.
Once on stage, Leavitt thanked Trump and described her time as White House press secretary as the honor of her life.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve as your White House press secretary, sir,” Leavitt said.
She then offered an enthusiastic assessment of Trump’s presidency, telling the South Carolina crowd that she considers him the most consequential and historic president in American history.
“I just want to say, President Trump, you are the most consequential and historic president in the history of our great country,” Leavitt said.
Leavitt also used her appearance to praise Trump’s work ethic and his focus on supporters across the country.
“I just want everyone in this room to know how hard this man works for all of you, and for every American across the country, regardless of whether they’re a Republican or a Democrat,” she said.
She continued by saying that Trump could be contacted at any hour and would answer the phone because, in her words, he was looking out for Americans.
“You can call this man at 6 in the morning, you call him at 3 in the morning, he picks up the phone because he’s looking out for you,” Leavitt said.
Leavitt then turned her remarks toward the upcoming congressional elections, urging the audience to help Republicans maintain control of Congress.
She said Trump needed the support of a Republican Congress for the next two years so that his administration could pursue its agenda.
“He needs your help with a Republican Congress for the next two years so he can make our country greater and stronger than ever before, so get out and vote,” Leavitt said.
The crowd’s reaction became a major part of the moment, with supporters loudly cheering as Leavitt spoke about her departure and praised Trump.
The appearance comes shortly after Leavitt announced that she would leave the White House press secretary position at the end of August. Her departure follows her return from maternity leave after giving birth to her second child.
Trump also used the rally to joke about Leavitt’s departure and her new family responsibilities.
According to reports from the event, Trump joked that Leavitt had recently had a baby and teased her by saying he had learned that she loved her baby more than she loved him.
Trump then praised Leavitt’s work and suggested that her relationship with the administration would not necessarily end completely.
“She’s fantastic. You haven’t heard the last of her,” Trump said, according to reporting from the rally. He added that she would be working for the administration from outside while spending time with her two children.
Trump had also spoken about Leavitt’s departure before the South Carolina event, saying he expected to miss her and describing the position she held as highly desirable.
The president said he had received a large number of applications from people interested in becoming the next White House press secretary and credited Leavitt with making the role particularly attractive.
“She’s made that job very glamorous,” Trump said, according to reporting from the event.
Leavitt’s appearance at the rally therefore served as both a public farewell and a show of continued political support for Trump.
Rather than using the stage appearance simply to discuss her departure, Leavitt used the opportunity to praise the president’s record, emphasize his work ethic and encourage voters to support Republican candidates in the upcoming elections.
The remarks also underscored the close relationship between Trump and his outgoing press secretary as she prepares to leave the position she has held during his administration.
The South Carolina rally itself was held in honor of the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and in support of his sister, Darline Graham, who is running for his Senate seat. Trump has endorsed Darline Graham’s candidacy.
Leavitt’s final weeks as press secretary come at a politically important time, with the 2026 midterm elections approaching and Trump seeking continued Republican support in Congress.
Her appearance showed that although she is leaving the formal White House communications role, she remains publicly supportive of Trump and his political agenda.
