White House press secretary Leavitt to take maternity leave

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on April 24 that she will take maternity leave ahead of the birth of her second child, though no temporary replacement has been formally designated.

“On a personal matter, this will likely be my last gaggle for some time. As you can see, I’m about ready to have a baby any minute,” Leavitt told reporters during a briefing at the White House.

“I will see you guys very soon. I know you’ll be in very good hands with my team here at the White House. And I know all of you have the President’s phone number personally,” she added in a lighthearted remark.

The White House has not confirmed how long Leavitt will be away. However, reports indicate that senior officials, including US Vice President J.D. Vance, may occasionally step in to conduct press briefings during her absence.

Leavitt, 28, is the youngest person ever appointed to the high-profile role of White House press secretary. She is already the mother of a son born in July 2024.

Following the birth of her first child, Leavitt returned to work on the campaign of US President Donald Trump within days, a move accelerated by an assassination attempt against the Republican candidate on July 13, 2024.

She is married to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer.

By Tamilla Hasanova