White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will resign from her position at the end of the month to spend more time with her family, President Trump announced on social media. Trump stated that Leavitt, whom he previously described as 'smart, tough' and 'highly effective,' will remain in an advisory capacity.
Leavitt, 28, gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Viviana, in May. Her son, Niko, was born in July 2024. In a statement, Leavitt explained that since the birth of her second child, she realized she could not fulfill the 'constant time, energy and attention' her job requires while also being the mother her children deserve.
Her departure has sparked conversations about the pressures faced by working mothers, particularly in demanding careers. Leavitt herself has previously spoken about the challenges, acknowledging a sense of guilt experienced by working mothers regardless of their profession. The commentary surrounding her resignation highlights the perceived difficulty for even well-resourced individuals to balance intensive careers with family life.
Leavitt's tenure as press secretary has also been noted for her critical stance towards journalists who questioned the Trump administration. The critical commentary notes her characterization of White House correspondents as 'crooked,' 'Left-wing hacks,' and 'biased' activists, rather than professionals fulfilling their duty to ask challenging questions on behalf of the public.
The discussion extends to broader societal expectations for women, contrasting Leavitt's situation with that of other public figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has announced plans to freeze her eggs to potentially have children later in her career. Both women, despite their differing political stances, are presented as navigating the complexities of career aspirations and family planning.
The resignation also brings attention to Leavitt's personal life, including her marriage to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer significantly older than her. This aspect has been cited in discussions about traditional gender roles and the ability for men and women to 'have it all.'
Leavitt's departure from the high-profile role is framed within a wider context of women re-evaluating the balance between demanding careers and personal fulfillment, questioning whether the pursuit of both is sustainable or ultimately worthwhile.