In a heartwarming announcement, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has welcomed her second child, a baby girl named Vivian, affectionately nicknamed “Vivi.” The announcement came just days after a harrowing experience during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where an active shooter scare prompted a swift exit from the event.
Leavitt, who is 28 years old, shared the news on Thursday, revealing that she and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, aged 60, welcomed their daughter on May 1. In her statement, Leavitt expressed her joy, saying, “She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister.” The couple’s son, Nicholas Robert Riccio, known as “Niko,” is 21 months old and is excited about his new role as an older brother.
Transition to Maternity Leave
Leavitt began her maternity leave during a particularly chaotic time at the White House. Her last scheduled day was expected to be Friday, April 24, coinciding with her attendance at the Correspondents’ Dinner that weekend. The event took a serious turn when an active shooter situation arose, prompting an urgent response from security. Following this incident, Leavitt returned to the briefing room on Monday, April 27, to deliver a last-minute press briefing addressing political violence and commenting on late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, before officially starting her leave.
Return to the Podium
According to reports from Politico, Leavitt is expected to return to her duties as press secretary after her maternity leave concludes. The White House has indicated that there are no plans to appoint a formal replacement during her absence. It has been suggested that Cabinet officials, including Vice President JD Vance and possibly President Donald Trump, may handle press briefings in her stead while she is on leave.
Leavitt first announced her pregnancy in December, sharing her excitement through photos in front of a Christmas tree. She disclosed her due date as May, calling the news back then. And now here she is with a beautiful baby.