White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Friday that she is expecting her second child, a baby girl due in May 2026. The announcement came as she posted a festive Instagram story featuring a photo of herself beside an ultrasound image set beside a Christmas tree. “The greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for – a baby girl coming in May 2026,” Leavitt wrote, adding a personal touch to the family news.
Leavitt, who is 28 years old, expressed her excitement about expanding her family. “My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and can’t wait to watch our son become a big brother. My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood, which I truly believe is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth,” the press secretary added in her post.
Her first child, a son named Nicholas Riccio Jr., was born in July 2024. The baby, who is nicknamed Niko, arrived months before President Donald Trump was re-elected in November. Leavitt and her husband, who is 60, met in 2022 when she ran unsuccessfully for Congress in New Hampshire.
In an interview with Megyn Kelly on her podcast earlier this year, Leavitt described her husband as “He’s incredible. He is my greatest supporter, he’s my best friend. He’s my rock.” She echoed those sentiments in a February podcast episode, saying, “He’s fully supportive of me building, you know, my success in my career and he’s the father of my child, of course,” and adding, “And he’s the best dad I could ever ask for and so supportive especially during this very chaotic period of life.”
Leavitt’s professional trajectory has been closely tied to the Trump campaign. She served as national press secretary for the former president’s 2024 campaign, and just days after his election, President Trump appointed her as White House press secretary. She has held the position since the inauguration in January.
In her Instagram tribute, Leavitt thanked Trump administration officials for their support. “I am also extremely grateful to President Trump and our Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for their support, and for fostering a pro-family environment in the White House. 2026 is going to be a great year and I am so excited to be a girl mom!” she wrote.
A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to NBC News questions about whether Leavitt plans to take maternity leave after the birth of her daughter or who would fill in for her in the interim. The lack of a response left many readers wondering about the administration’s succession plans.
Separately, Leavitt announced on Tuesday that the administration would now choose which media outlets can participate in the White House press pool. The decision marks a shift in the administration’s approach to media relations, though details of the new criteria were not disclosed in the brief statement.
The announcement of Leavitt’s pregnancy is notable for several reasons. First, it highlights the personal side of a high-profile public servant. Second, it underscores the Trump administration’s emphasis on family values, a theme that has resonated with many supporters. Finally, it illustrates the challenges of balancing a demanding role with the responsibilities of parenthood.
Key Takeaways
- Karoline Leavitt, 28, announced she is expecting a baby girl due May 2026.
- She celebrated the news on Instagram with a photo of an ultrasound beside a Christmas tree.
- Leavitt’s first son, Nicholas Riccio Jr., was born July 2024 and is nicknamed Niko.
- She credited her husband, Nicholas Riccio, as a supportive partner and father.
- Leavitt thanked President Trump and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for a pro-family environment.
- No immediate answer was given about maternity leave or a replacement.
- She also announced a new policy on selecting media outlets for the White House press pool.
The announcement adds a personal dimension to the White House’s public image, reminding observers that those who shape policy also navigate family life. As Leavitt prepares for the arrival of her daughter, the administration’s focus on family values will likely continue to influence its public messaging in the coming months.
