Leavitt leaves the White House: will JD Vance take over communications with journalists?

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Friday that she will begin maternity leave ahead of the birth of her second child, but did not announce her replacement.

Leavitt told a group of journalists at the White House: "On a personal note, this is likely my last press briefing for a while. As you can see, I am about to welcome my baby at any moment."

She added jokingly: "I'll see you very soon. I know you will be in good hands with my team here at the White House. And I know you all have the President's phone number."

The White House has not officially announced who will replace her.

Reports indicate that senior officials, such as Vice President JD Vance, may hold White House press conferences from time to time in her absence.

The White House also has not confirmed the duration of her absence.

Leavitt is a mother of a child born in July 2024. She was appointed at age 28, becoming the youngest person to hold the position.

In the summer of 2024, she returned to work on President Donald Trump's election campaign just a few days after the birth of her first child, as the assassination attempt against the Republican billionaire in July 2024 accelerated her return at that time.

Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer.