Why mothers are leaving one of Washington’s toughest jobs | The Excerpt

On the Wednesday, September 2, 2026, episode of The Excerpt podcast: USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield examines why mothers have spent less time as White House press secretary, the family toll of the job’s relentless demands and what their experiences reveal about the pressures facing working moms.

Hit play on the player below to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript beneath it. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text.

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The White House Press Secretary is one of the most visible and demanding jobs in American politics. Long hours and constant scrutiny, along with little separation between work and home can take a toll, especially for parents of young children. What can their experiences tell us about the demands of high pressure careers while also raising a family?

Hello and welcome to USA TODAY's The Excerpt. I'm Dana Taylor. Today is Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Karoline Leavitt is now leaving the role months after having her second child, saying she wants more time with her family.

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/