Photo: Alamy
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt returned to the briefing room Thursday, holding her first press briefing since taking maternity leave in late April.
Leavitt, 28, welcomed her second child, daughter Viviana, with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, during her leave. The couple also has a 2-year-old son named Niko.
When she announced her pregnancy in December, Leavitt became the first White House press secretary to publicly serve in the role while pregnant. Before beginning her leave, Leavitt had said her April 24 briefing would be her last before the birth of her daughter, who she said was expected “any minute.”
She remained on the job for several more days, however, following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Leavitt attended the event and returned to the briefing room on April 27 to address the incident before starting her leave.
On May 7, Leavitt announced on Instagram that she and Riccio had welcomed their daughter a week earlier.
“She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister,” Leavitt wrote. “We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble.”
Although she had not resumed her regular briefing schedule until Thursday, Leavitt made several public appearances during her leave and continued to accompany President Donald Trump at some official events.
On July 1, she shared a photo from aboard the new Air Force One aircraft donated by Qatar during its inaugural flight from the Washington area to North Dakota.
The aircraft has drawn scrutiny because it was donated by Qatar and is expected to become part of Trump’s presidential library after he leaves office.
Leavitt’s social media post also attracted attention after observers noted decorative books visible on a shelf in the background with titles such as “Antiques,” “Art,” “Jewelry” and “Library.”
“What a privilege to be aboard the inaugural flight on the brand new Air Force One! A truly unforgettable day,” Leavitt wrote on X.