Karoline Leavitt Announces Birth of Daughter Viviana: White House Press Secretary’s Historic Milestone
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Thursday that she has given birth to her second child, a healthy baby girl named Viviana, born on May 1, 2026. The announcement marks a significant milestone in White House history, as Leavitt becomes the first White House press secretary to give birth while serving in the position.
“On May 1st, Viviana aka ‘Vivi’ joined our family, and our hearts instantly exploded with love,” Leavitt wrote in her Instagram announcement. “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. God is Good.”
Who Is Karoline Leavitt? The Youngest White House Press Secretary in History
Early Life and Background
Karoline Leavitt was born on August 24, 1997, in Atkinson, New Hampshire, making her just 28 years old at the time of her baby announcement. She is the third and youngest child of Bob and Erin Leavitt. Her family owned an ice cream stand in Atkinson and her father owned a used truck dealership in Plaistow.
Leavitt attended Central Catholic High School, a private Catholic school in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where she played softball and was named an Eagle-Tribune All-Star in 2014 and 2015. In interviews, she has credited her Roman Catholic education as formative for her spirituality and instilling her with certain mores, including faith, family, discipline, the importance of public service, and an anti-abortion stance.
Education and Early Career
Leavitt began attending Saint Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire, in 2015, where she received a scholarship to play softball and majored in communications and minored in politics. After graduating, she was offered a full-time job in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence responding to letters sent to President Donald Trump during his first administration.
By June 2020, she was promoted to its associate director. That month, she was named as an assistant White House press secretary after a friend who was a personal aide to the president referred her to the press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany.
Path to the Press Secretary Role
After Trump left office in January 2021, Leavitt became the communications director for New York representative Elise Stefanik. On July 19, 2021, she announced her intention to run in the United States House of Representatives election for New Hampshire’s first congressional district as a Republican.
After losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas in 2022, Leavitt began working for MAGA Inc., Trump’s super PAC. She was featured in a video produced for Project 2025, a political initiative to prepare for a Republican presidency, training political appointees on how to counter the federal bureaucracy.
Leavitt began working for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign in January 2024 as his national press secretary. On November 15, 2024, President-elect Trump named Leavitt as his White House press secretary, making her the youngest person to ever hold the position.
She gave her first press conference on January 28, 2025, beginning the briefing by seeking to elevate non-traditional media.
A Historic Pregnancy: First Press Secretary to Give Birth While Serving
Leavitt became the first White House press secretary to give birth while in the job. This historic achievement comes just months into her tenure as the nation’s chief spokeswoman for the Trump administration.
Leavitt is the youngest White House press secretary in history and one of eight women in U.S. history to hold the position.
First Pregnancy and Birth of Son Nicholas
Her first child, Nicholas (nicknamed “Niko”), was born in July 2024 during the 2024 presidential campaign. A photograph of Leavitt feeding her son with a bottle while working drew attention on social media in May 2025, highlighting the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career in politics.
The Pregnancy Announcement
In December 2025, Leavitt announced that she was pregnant with her second child. The announcement came as she continued to perform her duties as White House press secretary, making her a visible symbol of working motherhood in the upper echelons of government.
Throughout her pregnancy, Leavitt continued to conduct daily press briefings and serve as the official spokeswoman for the Trump administration, though she began taking maternity leave shortly before her expected delivery date.
The Incredible Story: Oz Pearlman’s Baby Name Prediction
One of the most remarkable stories surrounding Leavitt’s pregnancy involves mentalist and entertainer Oz Pearlman and an extraordinary coincidence at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The Setup: The White House Correspondents’ Dinner
At the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, backstage, Leavitt had challenged Pearlman to guess the name of her baby, who was due the following week.
Vice President JD Vance encouraged Pearlman to perform for the President, and CBS anchor Weijia Jiang helped bring the mentalist into Trump’s conversation with Press Secretary Leavitt and First Lady Melania Trump.
The Magic Trick Performance
Pearlman began “piecing together” the name, and he is seen in news coverage writing down “Vivian” on a sheet of notebook paper. Just as Pearlman ripped out the page to show it to Leavitt, Melania and the president, a crisis consumed the ballroom of the D.C. hotel.
The mentalist said he had guessed letter by letter how many letters were in Leavitt’s unborn child’s name, then wrote down the name and said, “How did I do?” He turned around and that’s when he saw the first lady go, “Oh! Is that the name?”
The Shooting Incident
At the exact moment Pearlman was revealing the name to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, shots were fired outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton.
A 31-year-old teacher from Los Angeles stormed toward the White House Correspondents’ Dinner with two guns and fired at law enforcement. Nobody was killed, and the suspect is in custody. The suspect was later identified as Cole Tomas Allen.
“You could see the reaction to the trick, where everybody was like, ‘Whoa!’ But at that exact same moment, we saw dozens of people with guns — a SWAT team and military — running into the center of the room as people started getting under their tables,” Pearlman recalls.
The Baby’s Name Revealed
After the incident was contained, Pearlman spoke to ABC News’ Jonathan Karl and revealed that he had guessed the name for Leavitt’s daughter. He wrote the name on a scrap of paper for Leavitt, but pronounced it as “Vivian” on camera in a later interview when he announced the name.
However, when Leavitt announced her daughter’s birth, she revealed that the full name is actually “Viviana” (spelled with an “a” at the end), not “Vivian.” The mentalist tells PEOPLE that he correctly guessed the name of Leavitt’s daughter while performing at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington on April 25, shortly before a gunman rushed security, and President Donald Trump, and other administration officials in attendance — including Leavitt — were escorted from the room.
Pearlman tells PEOPLE that the mix-up was an issue of pronunciation, not inaccuracy, as he correctly identified the baby would be named Viviana, writing it on the paper he showed to Leavitt.
Baby Viviana: Details About the Newborn
Birth Date and Announcement
Viviana was born on May 1, 2026, just days after the dramatic events at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25. Leavitt announced the birth on May 7, giving the public and her colleagues time to celebrate this joyful family milestone.
Family Details
Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their second child into their growing family. Their son Niko, who will turn 2 this summer, is adjusting to becoming a big brother.
Leavitt’s daughter is “perfect and healthy,” and her big brother is “joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister.”
The Nursery
In her announcement, Leavitt shared a photo of herself holding her newborn in a pink nursery at home in Washington, creating an intimate moment for the public to celebrate with her family.
Maternity Leave and Press Briefing Coverage
Leavitt’s Time Away
Viviana was born May 1, making Leavitt the first White House press secretary to give birth while in the job. She has not yet set a date to return to work.
Leavitt began maternity leave shortly before her delivery, with her final official press briefing held on April 27, 2026. This marked the end of an intense period during which she continued to perform her duties despite her advanced pregnancy.
Notable Final Briefing
Her final briefing on April 27 came just two days after the alleged attempt to assassinate President Donald Trump and other officials at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Despite the extraordinary circumstances, Leavitt returned briefly to address reporters about the incident and other matters of state.
Temporary Coverage Plan
While Leavitt is on maternity leave, the White House has arranged for Cabinet members and other officials to conduct press briefings. No one will be filling in for Leavitt formally during her leave — but the comms shop is planning to have some familiar faces at the podium to brief the press, including VP JD Vance, Cabinet officials or even Trump himself.
Marco Rubio’s Debut
In Leavitt’s absence from the White House, Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed reporters this week. Rubio made his debut in the press briefing room on Tuesday, with one White House official calling him “a natural” and praising the secretary for his message on Iran.
Additional Coverage Plans
Cabinet members have been asked to help brief the press. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made his debut in the press briefing room on Tuesday, with one White House official calling him “a natural” and praising the secretary for his message on Iran. Vice President JD Vance is also expected to make an appearance. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other “TV thoroughbreds” could be tapped and “maybe even the president himself” could make an appearance.
Karoline’s Marriage and Family Life
Recent Marriage to Nicholas Riccio
Leavitt married Riccio in January 2025, days before Trump’s second inauguration.
Nicholas Riccio, who is reportedly 60 years old, has been a supportive partner throughout Leavitt’s demanding career in politics. The couple married shortly before Trump’s second term began, and Riccio has been instrumental in supporting his wife through her pregnancy while she served as the nation’s press secretary.
Balancing Motherhood and Career
Leavitt has been open about the challenges of balancing motherhood with one of the most visible and demanding positions in government. During her first pregnancy with Niko, she continued to campaign for Trump and managed his national press strategy.
With her second pregnancy, she continued to serve as the official White House spokeswoman, attending major events like the White House Correspondents’ Dinner while heavily pregnant.
Faith and Family Values
Throughout her career and personal life, Leavitt has emphasized the importance of faith and family. In her baby announcement, she thanked those who prayed for her during her pregnancy: “Thank you to everyone who reached out with prayers during my pregnancy – I truly felt them throughout the entire experience. God is Good.”
Her Catholic faith, instilled during her education at Central Catholic High School and Saint Anselm College, has been a consistent theme in her public and private life. She has spoken about motherhood as “the closest thing to heaven on earth,” reflecting her deep commitment to family values.
Other White House Baby Announcements
VP JD Vance’s Expected Baby
Notably, Leavitt is not the only member of the Trump administration expecting a new baby. Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance are also expecting a baby in July, their fourth.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Incident
Security Breach and Response
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026, was disrupted when a gunman attempted to breach security. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, a teacher from Los Angeles, allegedly charged through a security checkpoint with multiple weapons, including a shotgun and handgun.
Impact on the Event
The shooting resulted in security concerns but no fatalities. The event, which was the first attended by President Trump during either of his terms and also the first to be headlined by a mentalist (Oz Pearlman), was cut short due to the security incident.
Trump’s Account
President Donald Trump discussed the incident on CBS News’ “60 Minutes”: “They were asking the name of Karoline’s child that he didn’t know,” referring to the moment when Oz Pearlman was guessing the baby’s name.
Leavitt’s Career Achievements and Historic Significance
Youngest Press Secretary
Leavitt is the youngest White House press secretary in history. At just 28 years old, she has become the public face of the Trump administration and the primary spokesperson for presidential policies and decisions.
One of Eight Women
She is one of eight women in U.S. history to hold the position. Her appointment represents significant progress in terms of female representation in top government positions.
First to Give Birth While Serving
Most importantly for this milestone, Leavitt is the first White House press secretary to give birth while actually serving in the position. Previous female press secretaries, such as Jen Psaki, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and others, either had children before taking office or did not have children while serving.
What Comes Next: Return to Work and Future Plans
Return Timeline Unknown
She has not yet set a date to return to work. The length of her maternity leave remains flexible, with the White House continuing to arrange for other officials to conduct press briefings.
Potential Return
Politico’s White House bureau chief Dasha Burns reported on social media on April 24 that Leavitt will be returning to the podium after her maternity leave, “though it’s unclear exactly how many weeks she’ll take.”
The Broader Significance: Working Mothers in Government
Breaking Barriers
Leavitt’s achievement in being the first White House press secretary to give birth while serving represents a significant moment for working mothers in government. Her decision to continue working through pregnancy and then take maternity leave marks an important step in normalizing motherhood at the highest levels of the U.S. government.
Representation Matters
The visibility of a young, ambitious woman serving as the primary government spokesperson while managing pregnancy and motherhood sends a powerful message about the possibilities for women in politics and governance.
Future Implications
Leavitt’s example may pave the way for future female officials to feel more comfortable managing motherhood alongside demanding government roles, without having to choose between their careers and their families.
Viviana’s Future and Family Plans
The Name “Viviana”
The name Viviana, chosen by Leavitt and Riccio, has significance and beauty. Nicknamed “Vivi” in the family, it reflects the parents’ hopes for their daughter’s future.
Growing Family
With Niko now a big brother and Viviana joining the family, Leavitt and Riccio have their hands full managing family life with one of the most demanding jobs in government.
Balancing Act
The question of how Leavitt will balance her return to the press secretary role with caring for a newborn and a young toddler remains to be seen. Her experience will likely inform discussions about workplace policies for working mothers in government.
Timeline of Key Events
- August 24, 1997: Karoline Leavitt born in Atkinson, New Hampshire
- 2015: Begins attending Saint Anselm College on softball scholarship
- 2019: Graduates from Saint Anselm College
- 2020: Named assistant White House press secretary
- 2021: Becomes communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik
- 2022: Runs for U.S. House, loses to incumbent Chris Pappas
- 2024: Campaigns as Trump’s national press secretary; July – son Niko born
- January 2025: Marries Nicholas Riccio; Trump takes office; Leavitt becomes White House press secretary
- December 2025: Announces pregnancy with second child
- April 25, 2026: Attends White House Correspondents’ Dinner; Oz Pearlman guesses baby’s name just before shooting
- April 27, 2026: Final press briefing before maternity leave
- May 1, 2026: Daughter Viviana born
- May 7, 2026: Announces birth of Viviana to the public
Conclusion: A Historic Moment for the White House
Karoline Leavitt’s announcement of her daughter Viviana’s birth represents more than just a happy family milestone. It marks a significant moment in White House history, as she becomes the first press secretary to give birth while serving in the position.
At just 28 years old, Leavitt has already achieved tremendous professional success, becoming the youngest person to ever hold the position of White House press secretary. Now, she’s also breaking new ground as a working mother at the highest levels of government.
The extraordinary circumstances surrounding her pregnancy—including the remarkable coincidence of Oz Pearlman correctly guessing her daughter’s name just seconds before a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner—have made her story even more memorable.
As Leavitt takes maternity leave to enjoy her “blissful newborn bubble” with husband Nicholas Riccio and their two children, the White House continues to function with Cabinet members stepping in to brief reporters. Her eventual return to the podium will be watched by many as a sign of progress for working mothers in government.
In the meantime, the Trump administration and the American public await her return, congratulating her on the arrival of baby Viviana and celebrating this historic moment in White House history.
Key Facts About Karoline Leavitt and Baby Viviana
- Leavitt’s Age: 28 years old
- Baby’s Name: Viviana (nicknamed “Vivi”)
- Birth Date: May 1, 2026
- Baby’s Status: Healthy and perfect
- Older Sibling: Niko (born July 2024)
- Husband: Nicholas Riccio (married January 2025)
- Historic Achievement: First White House press secretary to give birth while serving
- Position: Youngest White House press secretary in history
- Maternity Leave Status: Ongoing; no return date set
- Temporary Briefers: Marco Rubio, VP JD Vance, other Cabinet members, potentially Trump himself
- Announcement Date: May 7, 2026
- Next Expected Baby: VP JD Vance and Usha Vance expecting baby in July
Sources: CNN, Fox News, NBC News, CBS News, Washington Post, Variety, People Magazine, TMZ, Hollywood Reporter, Irish Star, AOL, KVUE, KSL, Spokesman.com, YNet News, and Wikipedia
