Karoline Leavitt has announced that she will be stepping away temporarily from her duties at the White House ahead of the birth of her second child.
Speaking during a press briefing, Leavitt told journalists that she would be going on maternity leave and described the moment as imminent, noting that she expected to give birth “any minute.” She expressed confidence in her communications team and indicated that the administration would continue functioning smoothly in her absence.
The White House has not yet announced an official replacement or clarified how long her leave will last. However, officials suggested that senior figures within the administration, including Vice President JD Vance, may occasionally step in to address the press.
Leavitt, who is 28, made history as the youngest person ever appointed to the high profile press secretary role. Known for her combative and direct communication style, she has often served as a key public face of the administration’s media strategy under President Donald Trump.
This is not her first short break from public duties. In 2024, she briefly returned to political work shortly after the birth of her first child, amid a highly charged election season that included an assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign event.
Leavitt is married to real estate developer Nicholas Riccio and has balanced a demanding public career with family responsibilities.
Her temporary departure comes as the administration continues to face intense political scrutiny and ongoing public debate over policy and leadership direction.
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