
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced she will be stepping away from her duties ahead of the birth of her second child.
Speaking to reporters on Friday at the White House, Leavitt said the briefing would likely be her last for some time as she prepares for childbirth.
“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,” she said, adding that she expects to return soon.
The administration has not named an official replacement during her absence, though senior officials—including Vice President JD Vance—are expected to occasionally handle press briefings.
The White House has also not disclosed how long Leavitt will remain on leave.
At 28, Leavitt is the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary. She welcomed her first child in July 2024 and returned to work shortly after to support the campaign of President Donald Trump following an assassination attempt on him during that period.
Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, is married to real estate developer Nicholas Riccio. She has become a prominent figure in the administration’s media strategy, known for her assertive responses during press briefings.


