WASHINGTON, DC — The White House plans to rotate senior officials to handle press briefings while Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt takes maternity leave, rather than appointing a formal replacement.
Leavitt, 28, held her final press gaggle Friday ahead of the expected birth of her second child. She told reporters it would likely be her last appearance “for some time,” noting she is due in early May. This marks her second maternity leave while serving in the role, after returning to work shortly after the birth of her first child in 2024.
According to administration officials, Communications Director Steven Cheung will oversee messaging operations during her absence. Press briefings, however, may be conducted by a rotating group that could include Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other Cabinet members.
The administration has not specified how long Leavitt will be away, though federal employees are typically eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave under federal policy.
Leavitt joked with reporters that many already have direct access to Trump, suggesting continuity in communication despite her absence. The rotating approach reflects an unconventional but flexible strategy for maintaining regular press briefings during her leave.
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