White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday announced the birth of her daughter.
Ms. Leavitt, currently on maternity leave, named the baby girl Viviana and nicknamed her “Vivi.” She was born on May 1.
“Our hearts instantly exploded with love,” Ms. Leavitt said.
“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. Thank you to everyone who reached out with prayers during my pregnancy – I truly felt them throughout the entire experience,” Ms. Leavitt added.
She shared a picture on social media of her holding her newborn baby in her room, featuring pink decor, a miniature “Her First Bible,” and a framed photo of her and her husband.
Viviana was the second child for Ms. Leavitt, 28, and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, 60. Their son Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio was born in July 2024.
Ms. Leavitt and Mr. Riccio married in January of last year, just days before the second inauguration of President Trump. Ms. Leavitt has described their 32-year age gap as an “atypical love story” and praised her husband as her rock.
The top spokesperson for the Trump White House revealed her pregnancy in December, saying that another child is “the greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for.”
“My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and can’t wait to watch our son become a big brother,” Ms. Leavitt said at the time. “My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood, which I truly believe is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth.”
“2026 is going to be a great year and I’m so excited to be a girl mom,” she said.
With her out of her political duties for the foreseeable future, White House press briefings and communications operations have shifted.
There is no formal interim replacement for the press secretary while she is on maternity leave. The White House plans to use a “tag-team” approach with a “cadre of familiar faces” to handle briefings.
Vice President J.D. Vance and various cabinet members may take turns briefing the media, according to multiple outlets. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stepped in to fill in for Ms. Leavitt.
