Leavitt Set to Depart Trump Admin For Brief Maternity Leave

The White House briefing room may soon see a temporary shift in leadership as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt prepares to step back ahead of the birth of her second child.

Leavitt, who made history as the youngest press secretary in the nation’s history, is expecting a daughter in May. Her anticipated maternity leave has already sparked discussion in Washington about who might step in to handle the daily press briefings during her absence.

Among the top internal contenders is Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, a rising figure within the administration’s communications team. Kelly joined the White House in January after holding senior roles at the Republican National Committee and in the House of Representatives. She also serves as a special assistant to President Donald J. Trump, placing her in close proximity to key decision-making at the highest levels.

Kelly’s background extends beyond politics. In 2019, she was crowned Miss State Fair of Virginia, using the platform to encourage civic participation among young Americans.

“In today’s polarized political climate, it is our job to step up to the plate and work to ensure the government we receive is a good one,” she told the Fairfax Times.

“It is my goal as Miss State Fair of Virginia to show young people that, contrary to what they might believe, we do have a voice and it’s about time we used it,” Kelly, a graduate of Auburn University, added.

Another possible choice is Assistant Press Secretary Taylor Rogers, who joined the administration at the outset of President Trump’s second term after nearly two years with the Republican National Committee. A Clemson University graduate, Rogers has worked closely alongside Leavitt, including appearances in the Oval Office, and has built a visible presence supporting the administration’s messaging.

Regional Press Secretary Liz Huston is also considered a potential candidate. A graduate of Indiana University, Huston previously worked with StateRAMP, a cybersecurity organization, before joining the administration.

Despite the growing speculation, Leavitt has not formally announced when she will step away from her duties. However, she has shared glimpses of her personal life in recent weeks. According to the UK’s Daily Mail, she recently celebrated her baby shower, posting photos alongside her mother and close friends.

“My beautiful friends threw me a beautiful baby shower, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” she wrote. “I feel blessed to have so many strong and loving women in my life and can’t believe we will welcome our little lady into the world in a few weeks.”

Leavitt first announced her pregnancy in December, sharing that she and her husband, businessman Nicholas Riccio, are expecting a daughter—calling it “the greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for.”

“My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and can’t wait to watch our son become a big brother,” she wrote. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Niko, in July 2024.

In her announcement, Leavitt also praised the administration’s leadership, crediting President Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for fostering what she described as “a pro-family environment in the White House.”

She concluded with a hopeful outlook: “2026 is going to be a great year, and I’m so excited to be a girl mom.”

Following the announcement, Lara Trump offered a strong endorsement of Leavitt’s commitment to her role, dismissing any suggestion that the press secretary might step away permanently.

“Karoline Leavitt is a machine, she’s going nowhere,” Lara told Fox News host Lisa Boothe, noting that Leavitt had already demonstrated her dedication by quickly returning to the campaign trail after the birth of her first child.

As the administration continues to prioritize both effective communication and family values, Leavitt’s temporary absence is expected to be just that—temporary—while a deep bench of capable communicators stands ready to step in.