Who could step in as Karoline Leavitt prepares for maternity leave?
As White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt prepares to welcome her second child, attention has turned to who may temporarily take over one of the administration’s most visible roles.
Leavitt, 28, confirmed in December that she and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, are expecting a baby girl in May. While she is expected to return after her leave, questions have emerged about who could handle press briefings in her absence.
Several names within and around the current communications team have surfaced as possible stand-ins, reflecting a mix of internal experience and broader political communication backgrounds.
Key figures within the press office
Among those frequently mentioned is Anna Kelly, currently serving as Principal Deputy Press Secretary. Her background includes work on Republican campaigns, as well as communications roles tied to the U.S. House of Representatives and state party organizations, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Kelly, who is from Fairfax, Virginia, previously earned the 2019 Miss State Fair of Virginia title. According to the Fairfax Times, she used that platform to advocate for youth political involvement.
“My generation stands in an incredible position of power,” Kelly told the outlet. She added that young people should recognize their influence and “work to ensure the government we receive is a good one.”
Her academic background includes a political science degree with a minor in community and civic engagement from Auburn University, followed by a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University.
Taylor Rogers and Liz Huston, both assistant press secretaries, are also part of the current communications structure supporting Leavitt. Their roles involve assisting with media coordination and briefing room operations.
Rogers previously worked as a press assistant for the Republican National Committee and served as a guest greeter at Fox News.
Katie Pavlich among the other leading candidates
Outside of the immediate press team, other figures have been discussed as potential temporary replacements.
Kush Desai, who serves as Deputy Press Secretary and Special Assistant to the President, brings experience as a former journalist and has held communications roles with the Republican National Committee. He is also a graduate of Dartmouth College.
Katie Pavlich, a journalist and political commentator, has also been mentioned in connection with the role. She currently hosts a show on NewsNation after taking over the slot in December 2025 and is known for her contributions to Fox News programs including The Five and Jesse Watters Primetime.
Another possible candidate is Tricia McLaughlin, who previously served as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. She stepped down from that role in February, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
McLaughlin has also held positions in the first Trump administration, including roles at the State Department and the U.S. Treasury.
Leavitt’s expected return
Despite the ongoing discussion about a temporary replacement, Leavitt has made clear that she does not intend to step away from her position permanently.
Her previous return to work during the 2024 campaign cycle drew attention, when she resumed duties after just four days of maternity leave following an assassination attempt involving the president.
While it remains unclear how long she will take off this time, she is expected to resume her role after the birth of her child.
