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Karoline Leavitt's maternity leave: Will Trump replace her as White House press secretary? What we know
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, is going on maternity leave, prompting a rotation of press briefing duties among senior officials.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to take maternity leave as she prepares to give birth to her baby girl next week, raising questions about who will step in to handle press briefings during her absence.
According to Dasha Burns of Politico, the White House has confirmed Leavitt’s temporary exit but has not named a permanent replacement.
Instead, officials are expected to rotate responsibilities among senior members of the administration. This flexible approach means multiple figures could take turns addressing the media rather than a single stand-in assuming the role.
Could Trump step in?
Among the names floated to fill the gap are Vice President JD Vance, Cabinet officials, and even President Donald Trump himself.
While it remains unclear how frequently Trump might appear at the press podium, reports suggest he could directly address reporters during this period, alongside other top officials.
The White House communications office will continue to operate under communications director Steven Cheung, supported by Leavitt’s team.
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Leavitt’s maternity leave comes during a busy stretch for the administration.
In recent remarks, she appeared to draw a line between her role and political strategy. “That’s a question that’s political by nature. As you know, I’m not part of the president’s political team anymore,” she told reporters, adding, “I do sit here at the White House as a government employee.”
She also mentioned the president’s packed schedule, saying, “Look, the president has a lot on his plate.”
What happens next?
For now, the White House appears to be opting for a shared approach, with multiple senior figures stepping in as needed rather than appointing an interim press secretary.
Leavitt’s departure is expected to be temporary, with her return anticipated after maternity leave. Until then, the administration’s ability to maintain consistent communication will depend on how effectively it manages a rotating lineup at the podium.
