All About the Most Controversial White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt

At just 27, the nation's press secretary is navigating Washington's political circus — fielding questions from the podium, enduring intense media scrutiny, and commanding a national campaign — all while learning to raise her baby.

Karoline Leavitt stepped into the role of White House press secretary, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the position and navigating its intense pressures with remarkable composure.

During the first half of her tenure, she gave birth to her first child, Nicholas "Niko" Robert Riccio, in July. Despite a difficult delivery, she returned to work just four days later, after witnessing an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump on live television.

"I had just brought my newborn, my three-day-old baby home from the hospital. And I said, 'I'm going to turn on the television and watch the rally today,'" Leavitt recalled. Seeing her coworkers flee bullets and duck into SUVs, she told her husband, "Looks like I'm going back to work."

Leavitt credits her husband, Nicholas Riccio, and her mother for helping her balance the demands of her role. For her, her day often starts around 4 a.m., packed with media appearances, campaign calls, and briefings, while she manages nursing and cares for her newborn — a daily demonstration of extraordinary multitasking and dedication.

Riccio's own story reflects perseverance. Growing up in poverty after his parents' divorce, moving frequently, and even living on the streets as a teen, he worked his way through college while sometimes sleeping in his car. Those experiences helped shape the steadfast support he brings to Leavitt amid the demands of Washington life.

Despite the intense schedule, she treasures personal milestones. Photos from her family's first Halloween showed her son in a pumpkin costume alongside her and Riccio, both wearing coordinated black outfits. On her son's first birthday, she also reflected on the joy he has brought to her life, expressing gratitude for being his mother.