Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, recently celebrated the arrival of her second child, a daughter named Vivian, affectionately called “Vivi.” The baby was born on May 1, 2026, shortly after an intense experience during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where Leavitt had to address an active shooter situation. Her pregnancy journey has been notable, marking her as the first pregnant press secretary in US history.
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Leavitt, who is 28 years old, announced the birth of her daughter through an Instagram post on May 7, expressing joy over the new addition to her family with husband Nicholas Riccio, 60. She shared that both mother and baby are healthy and that their son Niko, who is currently 21 months old, is excited about becoming a big brother. “We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble,” she wrote.
Prior to welcoming Vivi, Leavitt maintained her responsibilities as press secretary throughout her pregnancy. Her final workday before going on maternity leave was set for April 24, but she attended the Correspondents’ Dinner the next day, where the tense situation arose. Following the event, she conducted a press briefing on April 27, where she condemned political violence and took the opportunity to critique late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel. This brief return to duty underscored Leavitt’s commitment to her role, even as she prepared for her upcoming leave.
In a report by Politico, it was noted that there would be no formal replacement for Leavitt during her maternity leave. Cabinet officials, including Vice President JD Vance and possibly President Donald Trump, are expected to conduct press briefings in her absence. This reflects both the importance of her position and the trust that has been placed in her by the administration.
Leavitt’s announcement of her pregnancy took place back in December, when she posted a heartfelt message on social media, revealing her excitement about expecting a baby girl. Posing in front of a Christmas tree, she described the news as “the greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for.” The sentiment expressed not only her personal happiness but also highlighted her deep appreciation for the blessings of motherhood.
Her husband, Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer, has been a supportive partner throughout this journey. The couple got engaged during the Christmas holiday in 2023 and welcomed their first child, Niko, in July 2024. Following each of her childbirths, Leavitt has faced pressures to return to work quickly. After Niko’s birth, she resumed her position in Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, driven by a sense of duty especially after a concerning incident involving an assassination attempt on Trump.
While the duration of her maternity leave for Vivi has not yet been announced, Leavitt’s commitment to her role suggests that she intends to return to the White House promptly. Her experience as a working mother in such a high-profile position has resonated with many, as it shines a light on the challenges and triumphs faced by women balancing professional responsibilities and family life.
As she embarks on this new chapter with her family, Leavitt’s story serves as an inspiration to many women. It illustrates not only the potential for success in demanding roles but also the importance of support and understanding within the workplace, particularly regarding parental responsibilities. With her return to the podium anticipated, her journey as a dedicated public servant and a mother will continue to be closely followed by both the political sphere and the public.