White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announces second pregnancy

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Friday that she is pregnant with her second child, sharing the news in a personal message posted on social media. Leavitt said the baby, a girl, is due in May 2026, marking a new milestone for one of the youngest senior figures in the current administration.

Leavitt made the announcement on Instagram, calling the pregnancy “the greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for” and confirming that she and her husband are expecting a daughter. The post quickly drew attention as a rare personal update from a senior White House official whose role is typically defined by discipline, message control, and public restraint.

In her message, Leavitt wrote that she and her husband are looking forward to expanding their family and to seeing their first child become an older sibling. She also expressed gratitude for the support she said she has received from the president and senior White House leadership.

Public announcement and personal message

Leavitt’s post framed the news as both a family moment and a reflection on motherhood. She wrote that her “heart is overflowing with gratitude” and described becoming a mother as a profound personal experience. The announcement emphasized family growth rather than professional implications, with no indication that her duties as press secretary would change in the near term.

She also thanked President Donald Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, saying they had fostered what she described as a “pro-family environment” within the administration. The statement aligned with broader messaging from the White House that emphasizes work-life balance and family considerations for staff, particularly those with young children.

The White House has not issued a formal statement beyond Leavitt’s personal post, and officials have not indicated any planned adjustments to press operations related to her pregnancy.

Role as White House press secretary

At 28, Leavitt is the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary, a position that places her at the center of daily communications between the administration and the public. The role involves leading press briefings, responding to media inquiries, and shaping the administration’s public messaging during moments of political pressure, policy rollouts, and breaking news.

Leavitt’s tenure has drawn attention both for her age and for her rapid rise within Republican political communications. She previously worked in the White House press office during President Trump’s first term and later became a prominent spokesperson during his successful 2024 presidential campaign.

Her appointment to the press secretary role followed Trump’s return to office, with the administration highlighting her experience, loyalty, and media fluency despite her relative youth compared with predecessors.

Political background and career path

Before returning to the White House, Leavitt served as press secretary for Trump’s 2024 campaign, a role that placed her regularly on national television defending campaign positions and responding to political controversies. Her visibility during the campaign elevated her profile within Republican political circles.

Leavitt also ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022, seeking to represent her home state in the U.S. House of Representatives. She lost that race but remained active in conservative politics and communications following the campaign.

Her career trajectory reflects a broader trend of younger political operatives moving quickly into senior communications roles, particularly within campaign environments that value media agility and direct messaging.

Family life and previous child

Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their first child, Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio, in 2024. The couple has occasionally shared family milestones publicly, though Leavitt has generally kept her private life separate from her professional responsibilities.

In her pregnancy announcement, Leavitt said she is looking forward to watching her son become a big brother, highlighting the personal significance of the moment rather than its political implications.

No further details about her maternity plans or schedule were disclosed in the post.

Balancing public office and parenthood

While Leavitt’s announcement was personal in nature, it arrives amid broader discussions in Washington about balancing high-pressure government roles with family life. Senior administration officials, including press secretaries, often work long hours and remain on call during crises, making family considerations a recurring issue across administrations of both parties.

Historically, White House press secretaries have continued working through pregnancies or returned to their roles shortly after childbirth, though arrangements vary depending on individual circumstances and administration policies. Leavitt did not address logistics or timing in her post.

The White House has emphasized that staffing decisions and operational continuity remain unchanged.

A personal moment in a public role

Leavitt’s announcement stands out as a rare glimpse into the personal life of a senior White House spokesperson, a role more commonly associated with tightly scripted briefings and institutional messaging. The post combined personal reflection with expressions of gratitude toward colleagues and leadership, underscoring how private milestones can intersect with public service.

As of now, the focus remains on the announcement itself rather than any broader political implications. Leavitt continues to perform her duties as press secretary, with no official changes announced.