White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt surprised the public on Friday when she revealed that she and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, are expecting their second child, a baby girl due in May 2026.
Announcement and Instagram Post
Leavitt posted a photo on Instagram that paired her smiling face with an ultrasound image beside a Christmas tree. She wrote, “The greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for – a baby girl coming in May 2026,” adding that her heart was overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood, which she says is “the closest thing to Heaven on Earth.” She also noted how excited she and her husband were to watch their son become a big brother.
Family Background
The couple’s first child, a son named Nicholas Riccio Jr., was born in July 2024. The baby is nicknamed Niko. Leavitt and her 60-year-old husband met in 2022 when she ran unsuccessfully for Congress in New Hampshire.
Personal Reflections
Leavitt has spoken about her husband’s support on a number of occasions. On Megyn Kelly’s podcast earlier this year, she said, “He’s incredible. He is my greatest supporter, he’s my best friend. He’s my rock.” In a February podcast episode she added, “He’s fully supportive of me building, you know, my success in my career and he’s the father of my child, of course,” and that he was “the best dad I could ever ask for and so supportive especially during this very chaotic period of life.”
Professional Role and Support
Before becoming White House press secretary, Leavitt served as the national press secretary for Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. Just days after Trump was elected, he appointed her to the role, and she has served since his inauguration in January. In her Instagram post, she thanked President Trump and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for their support and for fostering a pro-family environment in the White House. She wrote, “I am also extremely grateful to President Trump and our Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for their support, and for fostering a pro-family environment in the White House. 2026 is going to be a great year and I am so excited to be a girl mom!”
Administrative Updates
A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to NBC News questions about whether Leavitt plans to take maternity leave after the birth of her daughter or who would fill her position if she does. On Tuesday, the administration announced it would now decide which media outlets could participate in the White House press pool.
Key Takeaways
- Karoline Leavitt is expecting a baby girl due in May 2026.
- Her first son, Niko, was born in July 2024, and her husband Nicholas Riccio is 60.
- Leavitt praised her husband’s support in multiple podcasts and highlighted a pro-family environment in the White House.
Leavitt’s announcement comes amid her continued role as the White House’s senior spokesperson and a reminder of the personal milestones that intersect with public duties.
