Trump could step in as White House reshuffles press briefings during maternity leave
A shift is underway inside the White House press operation as Karoline Leavitt prepares to temporarily step away from the podium.
Speaking during a Friday press conference, Leavitt signaled that her time leading daily briefings is about to pause, telling reporters it would “likely” be her “last gaggle” before the arrival of her second child. “As you can see, I’m about ready to have a baby any minute, so I’ll see you guys very soon,” she said.
The White House has not named a direct replacement, opting instead for a rotating group of officials to handle press briefings, according to NewsNation.
A rotating podium in the briefing room
In the absence of a single spokesperson, multiple figures from the administration are expected to step forward. A White House official told NewsNation that this could include both Donald Trump and JD Vance, along with other senior officials.
This arrangement means the president himself could appear more frequently at the briefing podium, a notable shift from the traditional structure of daily communications.
Oversight of the broader messaging operation will remain under Steven Cheung, who is set to lead the press shop during Leavitt’s leave.
Leavitt, who announced her pregnancy publicly on December 26 alongside her husband Nicholas Riccio, described the upcoming arrival as “the greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for – a baby girl coming in May 2026” in an Instagram post.
Personal milestones amid official duties
Leavitt is expected to return following maternity leave, which is typically around 12 weeks for federal employees. Her role has already marked a historic milestone, as she became the youngest person appointed to the position in November 2024 at the age of 28.
Before the current plan was outlined, Anna Kelly had been mentioned as a potential interim replacement.
At the same time, another member of the administration’s extended circle is also preparing for a new arrival. Usha Vance and her husband recently confirmed they are expecting their fourth child, a boy, sharing that they are “very excited” about the news.
The developments highlight a period of transition inside the administration, where personal milestones are unfolding alongside changes in how the White House communicates with the press.
Usha Vance was recently seen at the 113th First Lady’s Luncheon hosted by Melania Trump, where she appeared with her baby bump and received a baby blanket from Leah Dunn, wife of Florida Representative Neal Dunn.
As Leavitt prepares to step away, the White House is set to rely on a flexible communications approach, with familiar and high-profile figures expected to fill the gap in the weeks ahead.
