‘Let’s get back to work’: Karoline Leavitt returns to the briefing room podium for the first time since maternity leave
Leavitt Resumes Press Briefing Duties Following Maternity Leave
Let s get back to work – White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt made her return to the daily briefing room on Thursday with minimal ceremony, delivering her first comprehensive press conference since stepping away for maternity leave at the conclusion of April. Opening her remarks with characteristic directness, she told assembled reporters, “Let’s get back to work.” The message was clear: business would continue as normal, without unnecessary fanfare or extended introductions.
A Mother’s Perspective on Professional Life
The opening question came from an independent journalist who sought to understand Leavitt’s approach to balancing motherhood with her demanding role. Asked to reveal her secret to “having it all” while raising two children, both under the age of two, Leavitt offered a straightforward response. “I don’t think there is a secret. You just have to show up every day and keep going,” she explained, acknowledging the support of her husband, whom she noted is “home with our babies right now.”
Following this personal moment, the briefing quickly moved to more substantial policy matters. Topics included President Donald Trump’s forthcoming address concerning election integrity, developments regarding Iran, and the current state of the economy. Leavitt, who held a junior position during the president’s first term, has since established herself as one of his most capable and steadfast communicators during his second presidency.
Building a Public Persona
Leavitt has deliberately cultivated a reputation as a fierce defender of the president and his agenda. She engages vigorously with reporters posing difficult questions while maintaining cordial relationships with more sympathetic news organizations. Beyond her professional demeanor, she has used both the podium and social media platforms to present herself as a committed wife and mother. Public images show her carrying toddler son Niko aboard Air Force One and into the Oval Office, posing alongside her husband at White House Easter Egg Roll and Halloween events, preparing an apple pie entirely from scratch, and enjoying quiet moments with her newborn daughter.
While these social media portrayals create an appealing image, they do not fully capture the intensity of her responsibilities. “It’s challenging. But for me, I view this as more than job — I view this as public service,” she emphasized during Thursday’s session.
A History of Brief Leaves
Leavitt’s approach to maternity leave has been notably brief. When her first child arrived in July 2024, she took only four days off, returning to campaign activities the day following Trump’s assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. This second pregnancy concluded under different circumstances. Daughter Viviana was born just days after the president faced an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Demonstrating her commitment to her duties, Leavitt conducted an unscheduled press briefing on Monday, April 27, to address the shooting and its immediate consequences before resuming her leave.
Guest Speakers Fill the Gap
During Leavitt’s absence, the White House significantly reduced the frequency of press briefings, instead rotating high-ranking officials through the briefing room with mixed results. Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened the series on May 5, announcing that the combat phase of the United States’ operation in Iran had concluded. Vice President JD Vance appeared twice—first on May 19 to discuss the administration’s $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund proposal, and again on June 18 to highlight a memorandum of understanding with Iran that has since weakened.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also participated, answering questions about the Iran situation, economic conditions, and initiatives to place the president’s portrait on American currency. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz faced repeated questioning regarding news that Trump had selected Bill Pulte, a housing official, to serve as acting director of national intelligence. Oz, previously known as a television personality, stated he knew Pulte “socially” but declined to offer additional commentary while speaking on behalf of the White House.
In the weeks preceding her return, Leavitt has been visible both on the White House grounds and on Fox News. She accompanied the president on a trip to Mount Rushmore but chose not to join a multi-day international journey to the NATO Summit in Turkey, prioritizing her family during this period.