What to Know About White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s 2 Children

**White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Welcomes Second Child**

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, has announced the arrival of her second child, a daughter named Viviana “Vivi,” born on May 1, 2026. Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, celebrated this special occasion almost a week after welcoming their little girl into the world.

Interestingly, Leavitt is the first press secretary in history to give birth while serving in the White House. She and Riccio, who share a notable 32-year age difference, initially became parents in July 2024 when they welcomed their son, Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio.

The announcement of their daughter’s birth was made via Leavitt’s Instagram, where she expressed gratitude to those who supported her throughout her pregnancy. Her journey into motherhood has garnered public attention, particularly as she balances the demands of her high-profile role with family life.

Leavitt’s experience as a working mother is not without its challenges. In a candid conversation on the Post Run High podcast aired in April 2025, she shared insights about the difficulties of managing work commitments alongside raising a family. She noted that it requires a significant amount of sacrifice and prioritisation to navigate these dual responsibilities effectively.

Before the birth of Niko, Leavitt was thrust back into her professional duties sooner than she anticipated. Following a shocking incident where President Donald Trump was shot on the campaign trail just days after Niko’s birth, she remarked to her husband, “Looks like I’m going back to work,” indicating the rapid pace of events that sometimes overshadowed her new motherhood.

Throughout her time as a mother, Leavitt has often expressed a sense of guilt, common among working parents. During a conversation with The Christian Broadcasting Network in March 2025, she reflected on the innate challenges faced by working mothers. She emphasised the importance of making the most of her time at home, stating, “I spend every second that I possibly can with my son when I’m home on weekends and evenings.”

Leavitt’s commitment to her family is clear, as she frequently shares moments with her children on social media. Whether it’s taking Niko to the White House or involving him in her work life, she strives to create cherished memories despite her demanding career.

As for her latest addition, Viviana’s birth comes just over a year after Leavitt and Riccio exchanged vows in January 2025. The couple had announced the pregnancy in December 2025, marking another milestone in Leavitt’s personal journey alongside her public responsibilities.

In the lead-up to Viviana’s birth, Leavitt kept the public updated about her pregnancy. On April 24, she communicated to reporters that she was preparing for her maternity leave and was ready to welcome her baby at any moment. However, her plans were disrupted following a tragic shooting incident during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner two days later. She managed to conduct a briefing shortly before her daughter’s arrival, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to her role.

Now that Viviana has made her debut, Leavitt has officially begun her maternity leave, although the duration of her absence from the press secretary role has yet to be specified. The White House has not announced any temporary replacement for her position during this time.

Leavitt’s experiences reflect a balancing act many working parents face, and her story illustrates the unique intersection of personal and professional life in the high-stakes environment of the White House. As she embarks on this new chapter of motherhood, the public and her colleagues will undoubtedly monitor her journey as she navigates the responsibilities of her role alongside her duties as a parent.