White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Prepares for Maternity Leave

Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, recently concluded her last press gaggle before heading off on maternity leave to welcome her second child. After a lively interaction with the media, she stepped away to focus on her family.

“This will likely be my last gaggle for some time, as you can see,” she remarked to reporters. She then glanced at her stomach and added, “I’m about ready to have a baby any minute, so I will see you guys very soon.”

The day after Christmas, during an exclusive interview, Leavitt shared the joyful news that she and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, were expecting their second child, a girl.

Previously, she welcomed her first son while working as a campaign spokesperson for Donald Trump. On “The Megyn Kelly Show,” she mentioned that a July assassination attempt on Trump forced her to return to work sooner than she had anticipated.

In fact, she was back at her role just four days after giving birth.

“I am also extremely grateful to President Trump and our Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for their support, and for fostering a pro-family environment in the White House,” she stated in a social media post announcing the upcoming arrival of her daughter.

At only 27, Leavitt made history as the youngest White House press secretary. Now at 28, she’s juggling the intense demands of her role while nearing the end of her pregnancy.

With her due date in May, her situation highlights the unique position of a press secretary working while expecting, serving as an example for working mothers in the government.

Although her exact return date hasn’t been disclosed, Leavitt is entitled to the typical benefits for federal employees. The Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (FEPLA) provides her with up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, designed to help federal workers care for a new child without losing income.

“I know you’ll be in very good hands with my team here at the White House. Plus, you all have the president’s phone number, so I’m sure you won’t lack for updates while I’m out,” she joked.

There was a recent report that Trump’s personal cell phone number had become well-known among the Washington press, described as the “worst-kept secret.” Despite a president’s contact information usually being a security concern, Trump’s number has been so widely circulated that it’s accessible to many journalists.

While no single staff member will take Leavitt’s place during her leave, a rotation of White House staffers will manage her duties until her return.

In a message on X, she encouraged followers to check in with her team during her absence, tagging 11 staff members for updates.