Karoline Leavitt, now the youngest White House Press Secretary in U.S. history, made headlines with her decision to return to work just four days after giving birth to her son. The 27-year-old had just come home from the hospital with newborn Nicholas—nicknamed “Nico”—when former President Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The incident prompted Leavitt to end her maternity leave early and rejoin the Trump campaign in her high-profile role as national press secretary.
In a recent interview with Megyn Kelly, Leavitt opened up about the challenges of balancing life as a new mom with the demands of one of the most intense jobs in Washington. “It wasn’t ideal to return so soon,” she admitted, “but motherhood has given me a new perspective. The chaos of politics is humbling when you come home to a baby who doesn’t care what your job is—he just wants you there.”
Leavitt credits her ability to manage both roles to a strong support system that includes her husband, parents, and close friends. “I’m fortunate to have a husband who’s very involved, and family members who step in when needed,” she said.
As the cultural conversation around traditional gender roles continues—highlighted by the rise of the #TradWife trend—Leavitt’s choice has sparked debate. Some on the political right have criticized working mothers in high-stress roles, but Leavitt pushed back against the notion that women must choose between career and family.
“I reject the idea that being a working mom is a bad choice,” she said. “It’s a tough one, no doubt. But I’m doing this for my son and for the next generation. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s temporary. In four years, he’ll be four, and I’ll move on.”
Despite the demanding nature of her role, Leavitt remains committed to both her family and her career. “You can be a good mom and be good at your job,” she said. “It’s not easy—it takes faith, discipline, and a lot of support—but it can be done.”
Inside the White House, Leavitt has earned a reputation as a tireless and effective communicator. Her ability to mirror Trump’s messaging has won praise not only from allies but also from unlikely corners. Former Clinton press secretary Joe Lockhart acknowledged her strategic savvy, saying, “By traditional standards, she might fail. But by today’s standards—satisfying Trump’s priorities—she earns an A-plus.”
Ari Fleischer, who served as press secretary under President George W. Bush, emphasized how close Leavitt is to the inner workings of the administration. “She’s with the president much of the day,” he noted. “She speaks Trump fluently.”
As Leavitt continues to navigate the demands of motherhood and one of the most high-pressure jobs in American politics, her story is reshaping how we think about working mothers—and proving that sometimes the boldest moves come from the most unexpected places.
