White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Gives Birth to Second Child

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Thursday the birth of her second child, a daughter named Viviana. Leavitt, who is 28, shared a photo of herself with the newborn and said, "Our hearts instantly exploded with love. " The announcement came just days after she postponed the start of her maternity leave in response to an assassination attempt against President Donald Trump.

Leavitt gave birth to Viviana on May 1. Her son Niko, born in July 2024, is adjusting to life with his new sister. " The press secretary is married to Nicholas Riccio, a 60-year-old real-estate developer. The couple met at a campaign event during Leavitt's 2022 congressional run, announced their engagement on Christmas 2023, and wed on January 4, 2025, days before Trump's second inauguration.

They announced in December 2025 that they were expecting a daughter.

Leavitt grew up in Atkinson, New Hampshire, where her parents owned an ice cream stand and she worked during summers. She attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and has credited her Catholic education with teaching her discipline, faith and the importance of public service.

She graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2019 with a degree in politics and communication. Leavitt played outfielder on the college's softball team on an athletic scholarship, founded the Saint Anselm Broadcasting Club, volunteered at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics and wrote for the student newspaper.

After graduation she worked from 2019 to 2021 as an assistant press secretary in the White House Press Office, assisting then-press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. When Trump left office she became director of communications for Rep. Elise Stefanik. In 2022 Leavitt ran for Congress in New Hampshire's 1st district, winning the Republican primary but losing the general election to Democratic incumbent Rep.

Chris Pappas. She joined Trump's 2024 presidential campaign as national press secretary. While pregnant with her first child she traveled the country for the campaign. Four days after giving birth to her son in July 2024, she returned to work following an assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

She had a television studio built in her home to continue appearing on air.

In that role she created a "new media seat" in the briefing room for podcasters, social media influencers and independent content creators. " She returned to work quickly after her first birth, telling one outlet she felt compelled to be present for a "historic moment" after Trump survived the assassination attempt.

>"Our hearts instantly exploded with love. She is perfect and healthy," Leavitt said, while sharing a photo of the mother and her child. — Karoline Leavitt, May 2026 (Just the News) >"I felt compelled to be present in this historic moment. The president literally put his life on the line to win this election.