Karoline Leavitt Says She Missed 'Slow Mornings' With Children During White House Job

Karoline Leavitt has reflected on the family time she missed while serving as White House press secretary, weeks after leaving the Trump administration at the end of August 2026.

The 29-year-old shared the reflection on Instagram Stories on Monday, September 14, after stepping away from one of the most demanding communications roles in American politics.

Leavitt wrote that she had not enjoyed 'slow mornings with my babies' because of the demands of her job, adding that she was grateful to experience them now. The post followed her August decision to leave the White House and focus on her family.

Her comments highlighted the personal sacrifices she associated with the demands of the press-secretary role.

Karoline Leavitt's Family Time

Trump announced on August 12 that Leavitt would leave the White House press-secretary position at the end of the month. She had recently returned from maternity leave after giving birth to her second child, Viviana, on May 1.

Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, have two children. Their son, Nicholas 'Niko' Robert Riccio, was born in July 2024, while Viviana was born in May 2026.

It was reported that Leavitt would continue supporting Trump as an outside communications adviser after leaving government. Later reporting identified her as working with Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc.

In a statement posted on X on August 12, Leavitt described motherhood alongside the job as 'the most rewarding yet challenging season of my life.'

'The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary,' she wrote.

Leavitt called the decision 'bittersweet' and thanked Trump for giving her the opportunity to serve in the role.

The White House said Leavitt had been 'one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office.' Trump also described her as one of his most trusted aides.

Leavitt was the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary. In her statement, she expressed gratitude for working in the West Wing, spending time in the Oval Office, travelling internationally and meeting foreign leaders.

She also praised the opportunity to speak on Trump's behalf and said she had 'relished' holding the media accountable during her time at the White House podium.

Karoline Leavitt Returns to the Podium

Leavitt's Instagram post came days after her return to public political life. At the Republican National Committee's midterm convention in Dallas on September 10, she delivered a speech that contrasted with her comments about family life.

'It feels good to be back behind a podium,' she told the crowd. 'It feels much better speaking to a stadium full of patriots than a briefing room full of journalists.'

The remarks highlighted the contrast between her new role outside the White House and her previous position as its chief spokesperson.

At the event, Leavitt urged voters to support Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections. She also praised the Trump administration's record and said the president needed Republican support to continue his agenda.

Her appearance was not a complete break from the White House. Trump has said Leavitt will remain an influential outside adviser, while Reuters reported that she intended to help support the future of the 'Make America Great Again' movement.

Leavitt has said the demands of the press-secretary role required more time, energy and attention than she could devote while raising her two young children.

For now, she is balancing her continued political involvement with the family time she says she missed while serving as White House press secretary.