Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump, Vance Fill Press Secretary Gap During Leavitt Maternity

4/25/2026

38 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

White House announced no press secretary will be appointed during Karoline Leavitt’s maternity leave, so President Donald Trump will brief press.
Leavitt held a gaggle on April 24, 2026 and disclosed in a 2025 post that she and husband Nicholas Riccio expect a baby girl in May 2026.
Steven Cheung will run the press office, with Vice President JD Vance delivering briefings while Leavitt takes twelve weeks of paid leave.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 President Bill Clinton named Dee Dee Myers, age 31, the first woman to serve as White House press secretary, breaking a decades-long male hold. Her tenure showed that senior communications roles could be filled by women, a precedent echoed when Karoline Leavitt, appointed at 27 in January 2025, announced a twelve-week maternity leave in April 2026, prompting President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance to cover press duties.

1 of 2

Story summary

White House announced no press secretary will be appointed during Karoline Leavitt’s maternity leave, so President Donald Trump will brief press.
Leavitt held a gaggle on April 24, 2026 and disclosed in a 2025 post that she and husband Nicholas Riccio expect a baby girl in May 2026.
Steven Cheung will run the press office, with Vice President JD Vance delivering briefings while Leavitt takes twelve weeks of paid leave.

1 / 2