Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick has praised Karoline Leavitt as an "absolute legend" following the White House press secretary's announcement that she is stepping down from her role at the end of the month.
Leavitt, 28, confirmed earlier this week that she is leaving her position to spend more time with her family after giving birth to her second child in May. She had returned to the White House from maternity leave on July 16 and described her departure as a "bittersweet decision."
President Donald Trump addressed the move on Truth Social, writing that it was "a decision I totally understand and respect" while hailing Leavitt as "one of the best White House press secretaries in the history of the office."
Trump stated that Leavitt will remain a "top outside adviser" and an "influential voice" within the Republican Party as the White House prepares for midterms in November.
Patrick, 44, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump's Make America Great Again movement, shared her tribute to Leavitt on Instagram on Thursday.
"What an absolute legend you are @karolineleavitt for the job you have done as press secretary for the White House!" Patrick wrote on her Instagram story. "Loved every witty and intelligent min of watching you deliver news and truth! Congrats on the great work and the decision to step away and focus on your motherhood and your family."
Trump Campaign Trail Support
In April, Patrick met President Trump in Arizona, taking a front row seat for his speech at an event hosted by Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organisation.
The former IndyCar and NASCAR driver has campaigned for Trump in recent years and previously revealed that she had never voted in an election before Trump entered politics.
Following their April meeting, Patrick posted two photographs on social media alongside the caption, "My friend, POTUS."
"First pics was me telling him how much I love his buddy Dana White and going to my first UFC fight after meeting him last November at a MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) summit," Patrick wrote. "What a wild, weird and amazing life I get to live. Another amazing event put on by Turning Point USA."
She also shared the images to her Instagram story, adding: "Our President is badass and funny."
European Holiday and Santorini Trip
Also on Thursday, Patrick shared photos from a European trip to Santorini, Greece, where she was pictured kissing her boyfriend.
The former racing driver posted a selection of photos from the island after previously visiting Ibiza and Mykonos. In one image, Patrick posed in athletic wear at the top of a mountain overlooking the ocean.
Other pictures showed Patrick exchanging a kiss with her boyfriend, whose identity has not been publicly revealed.
"Santorini is stunning…. Probably the most beautiful elevated hotel view I have ever seen!" Patrick wrote in her caption. "We hiked (I mean climbed) questionable mountains, ate the best food of the trip, learned about Greek wine, discovered Greek cats do love feta (and we fed them a lot), and decided from now on… packing light in Europe due to hills is very smart. Oh, and Stew is fascinated with fancy food but will only eat steak and potatoes."
The couple have kept their relationship private, having first gone public in December when Patrick shared photos from a luxury hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Past Relationships and Broadcaster Role
Patrick was previously linked to Carter Comstock before the pair separated in March 2022 after a year of dating. She also previously dated former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with the relationship ending acrimoniously in 2020.
Patrick has had additional free time this summer after stepping down from her role as a Formula One television analyst with Sky Sports shortly before the start of the 2026 season.
She had been part of the Sky Sports broadcasting team for five seasons, having made her first appearance during the United States Grand Prix in October 2021.
