26.04.2026 00:36
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, who will welcome her second child next week, is going on maternity leave. During this interim period, the management structure of press briefings will also temporarily change. It is stated that the podium will not remain empty in Leavitt's absence and that many senior figures, including Trump, will take over the management of the briefings.
A short-term arrangement is coming to the daily press briefings at the White House in the US. According to reports in the US press, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is expected to give birth to her second child next week and take a short maternity leave.
SHE ALSO HELD HER LAST PRESS CONFERENCE
Karoline Leavitt spoke to the press for the last time before welcoming her second baby: "This looks like it will be my last press conference for a while. As you can see, I'm ready to give birth at any moment, so see you soon, kids. I know you all personally have the president's phone number, so I have no doubt you won't be short of statements and news from this building while I'm gone."
BRIEFING SEAT WILL BE TEMPORARILY TRANSFERRED
It is stated that during Leavitt's maternity leave, the daily White House press briefings will be conducted by different individuals. During this period, Vice President JD Vance and other senior administration officials are expected to participate in the briefings.
TRUMP MAY ALSO TAKE THE PODIUM
According to reports, US President Donald Trump may also personally lead the press briefings from time to time. This situation is interpreted as potentially adding a different dynamism to the communication process at the White House.
Officials state that this arrangement is temporary and that Leavitt will return to her duties after her leave. It is emphasized that the process is planned to sustain the daily communication flow of the White House without disruption.
SHE WELCOMED HER FIRST CHILD IN 2024
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that she and her husband Nick are expecting their second child and will have a baby girl in May 2026. The 28-year-old Leavitt made history as the first White House Press Secretary to be pregnant while in this role.
Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer 32 years her senior. The couple announced their engagement in December 2023, had a private wedding ceremony, and welcomed their son Niko in July 2024.