White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has opened up about the personal sacrifices and pressures of her role, revealing that she has canceled multiple family vacations due to her demanding job. At just 28 years old, Leavitt has made history as the youngest individual to hold this position, serving as the primary media contact for President Donald Trump.
In a candid interview with the Daily Mail, Leavitt discussed the emotional toll that her responsibilities have taken on her family life. She explained how her experience in this high-stakes environment has led her to develop what she describes as “PTSD about making plans,” prompting her to avoid scheduling family outings as many had to be scrapped at the last minute.
Leavitt, who is married to Nicholas Riccio, a 32-year-old real estate developer from New Hampshire, expressed that their family dynamic revolves around flexibility. With a one-year-old son, Nick, she emphasized the importance of seizing spontaneous opportunities for family time whenever her schedule allows.
Impact on Family Life
The press secretary revealed that her family had planned three mini weekend getaways during the summer, all of which were ultimately canceled due to unforeseen foreign policy events. Despite these challenges, Leavitt stated she has no regrets about her role, acknowledging that the demands of the job were anticipated. “It’s what makes it fun and challenging and keeps every day new,” she remarked, while also noting that she views her time in the role as temporary, with “three years to go.”
Leavitt’s journey into this demanding position began shortly after the birth of her son. She returned to work just four days after giving birth, as reported by Yahoo! News. Balancing motherhood with her responsibilities has proven to be an “incredible challenge,” she noted, as she strives to be both an effective press secretary and a dedicated mother.
Finding Balance Amid Challenges
Reflecting on her experience during the campaign, Leavitt shared how she created a workspace that allowed her to manage both her professional duties and motherhood effectively. She set up a studio from which she could conduct press interviews, allowing her to attend to her child as needed. “I was able to easily go downstairs and do a quick TV hit and then, of course, attend to my child,” she explained during an appearance on the Post Run High podcast in April 2025.
Leavitt admits that the balance between her career and family life requires significant sacrifice and prioritization. She recognizes the importance of a strong support system, stating, “Having a good support system is so incredibly important… and I’m not perfect at it.” Her ongoing efforts to manage these dual roles reflect a broader challenge faced by many working parents, particularly those in high-pressure environments.
As she navigates her responsibilities at the White House, Leavitt continues to prioritize her family, ensuring that every available moment is spent with her son. Her experiences serve as a testament to the complexities faced by those in public service, particularly when balancing personal and professional commitments.
