Karoline Leavitt, 29, has stepped down from her position as White House Press Secretary to dedicate more time to her family. Leavitt announced her departure just two weeks after revealing her intention to leave the role she held for over a year.
In a recent Instagram post, Leavitt shared an image of herself holding her infant daughter, Viviana "Vivi," and reflected on the profound meaning of motherhood. Accompanying the photo was a quote stating, "There is a small person who thinks your arms are the safest place on earth. Nothing you achieve will ever mean more than that."
Leavitt, a mother of two, explained that the birth of her second daughter in May prompted her decision. "I think the birth of my second daughter, as I said in my statement, really just showed me that two children at home deserve and need their mothers 24/7 constant attention and presence," she told News Nation's Morning in America. She emphasized the importance of this "impressionable time" with her young children, noting that "we never get these years back."
She described the birth of her second daughter as having "changed [her] heart as a mom" and stated that after prayer and discussion with her husband, she realized she could not "have it all at the same time" at this stage of her life.
Leavitt also expressed gratitude for her husband, Nicholas Riccio, 61, who she said sacrificed significantly by moving to Washington D.C. and supporting her career. "He has just been an angel and a blessing to me and my kids, really has given up a lot to move to DC, a town he's unfamiliar with," she said.
Despite leaving her White House role, Leavitt is expected to remain involved in the political sphere. She will return to President Donald Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., as an outside advisor. Reports also suggest she is considering a co-host position on ABC's The View, an idea reportedly met with support from President Trump and other White House officials.
Since her departure, Leavitt has been spending time with friends and playing golf, sharing glimpses of her activities on Instagram, including a photo with friends from her home state of New Hampshire.