‘Let’s get back to work’: Karoline Leavitt returns to the briefing room podium for the first time since maternity leave
Karoline 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 press briefing room on Thursday without any elaborate ceremony. This marked her first comprehensive address to journalists since she stepped away for maternity leave at the conclusion of April. Opening her remarks with characteristic directness, Leavitt declared, “Let’s get back to work.” The sentiment captured the straightforward nature of her homecoming—no fanfare, simply a return to routine operations.
A Mother’s Perspective on Leadership
The opening question came from an independent reporter who wanted to understand Leavitt’s approach to balancing professional responsibilities with motherhood. As a working parent of two young children, both under the age of two, Leavitt was asked to reveal her formula for success. Her response was refreshingly simple. “I don’t think there is a secret. You just have to show up every day and keep going,” she explained. She took the opportunity to acknowledge her husband’s crucial role, noting that he is currently “home with our babies right now.”
Leavitt’s career trajectory has been notable. She occupied a junior position during President Donald Trump’s first administration, but has since evolved into one of his most capable and steadfast communicators in his second term. Reporters have come to recognize her as a fierce defender of presidential policies—a self-described “pit bull” who engages vigorously with challenging questions while maintaining cordial relationships with more supportive media organizations. Her public image extends beyond policy advocacy; she has cultivated a reputation as a dedicated mother and wife, frequently sharing moments with her toddler son Niko at Air Force One and in the Oval Office. Photographs from White House Easter Egg Roll and Halloween events show her posing with her husband, while other images capture her baking apple pie from scratch and enjoying quiet moments with her newborn daughter.
Timeline of Maternity Leave and Presidential Events
Social media portrayals often present an idealized version of reality. Leavitt acknowledged this reality on Thursday, stating, “It’s challenging. But for me, I view this as more than job — I view this as public service.” Her previous maternity experience provides context for her current situation. When her first child arrived in July 2024, she took only four days off, returning to campaign duties the day after then-candidate Trump survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The circumstances surrounding her second child’s birth were equally dramatic. Now-President Trump faced an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner just days before Leavitt delivered daughter Viviana. Demonstrating her commitment to her role, she conducted an unscheduled press briefing on Monday, April 27, to address the shooting and its aftermath before resuming her leave.
Guest Speakers Fill the Void
During Leavitt’s absence, the White House press operation adapted by rotating senior officials through the briefing room. Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened the series on May 5, announcing that the combat phase of the United States’ military operation in Iran had concluded. Vice President JD Vance appeared twice—first on May 19 to discuss the administration’s proposed $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, and again on June 18 to emphasize 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 plans to feature the president’s portrait on American currency.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz faced particular scrutiny when reporters questioned him about President Trump’s selection of Bill Pulte, a housing official, as acting director of national intelligence. The former television personality mentioned that he knew Pulte “socially,” but chose not to offer additional commentary while representing the White House position.
Leavitt has remained visible during the weeks leading to her return. She traveled to Mount Rushmore with the president but opted to miss a multi-day journey to the NATO Summit in Turkey, prioritizing time with her growing family.
