Karoline Leavitt announces birth of her second child

WASHINGTON: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that she has given birth to her second child, a daughter named Viviana, days after postponing the start of her maternity leave following an alleged assassination attempt against President Donald Trump.

In a post on X, Leavitt wrote, "On May 1st, Viviana aka 'Vivi' joined our family, and our hearts instantly exploded with love."

She added, "She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister. We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble."

Leavitt, 28, is the youngest White House press secretary in US history. Alongside the announcement, she shared a photograph showing herself in a nursery while holding her newborn daughter.

She had earlier said on April 24 that she was beginning maternity leave. However, her final day in the White House briefing room came on April 28 after a gunman attempted to storm the White House correspondents' dinner.

The development mirrored an earlier episode following the birth of her son Nicholas in the summer of 2024. At that time, she resumed work on Trump’s campaign only days later after an assassination attempt on the then Republican candidate in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Leavitt also thanked those who had supported her during her pregnancy, writing:

I am grateful to everyone who reached out with prayers during my pregnancy. I truly felt them throughout the entire experience. God is Good.

Temporary briefing room arrangement

The White House has not announced a formal replacement for Leavitt during her leave. Earlier this week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared at the podium in her place and received positive reviews for what was described as a relaxed performance.

Leavitt has become a prominent public face of the Trump administration and is widely known for her sharp exchanges with journalists during press briefings. Her announcement on Thursday drew attention not only because of the birth of her daughter, but also because it came shortly after a period in which she remained at work beyond her planned leave dates.

The birth of Viviana marks the latest addition to Leavitt’s family as she steps away from her official duties. Her statement indicated that both mother and baby are in good health and that the family is spending time together following the arrival of the newborn.