Trump Secures Release of American Imprisoned in Russia

Her departure did not mark an exit from national politics or media. Fox News announced in October that Leavitt would join the network as an official on-air contributor beginning Nov. 1.

Leavitt said she plans to bring the "same energy and candor" that defined her tenure as White House press secretary to her new role. Her move to Fox News brings her career full circle, returning her to the network where she once interned after a rapid rise through Republican politics, presidential campaigns and the White House.