White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has shared insights into the demanding nature of her role, revealing that her position has led her to cancel multiple family vacations. Serving as the youngest press secretary in history at the age of 28, Leavitt has faced significant personal challenges while juggling her responsibilities and family life.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Leavitt described the intense pressure of her job, stating that it has created a sense of “PTSD about making plans.” As a result, she has opted to forgo scheduling family outings, having experienced the disappointment of cancelling three planned weekend getaways this summer due to urgent foreign policy events. “Honestly, I have PTSD about making plans, so I just don’t,” she explained.
Leavitt’s family life is intertwined with her career. She is married to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer from New Hampshire, and they have a one-year-old son named Nick. The couple has adapted to the unpredictable demands of her job, often seizing opportunities to spend time together as a family whenever her schedule allows. Despite the challenges, Leavitt expressed no regrets about her commitments. “That’s part of the job, and it’s what makes it fun and challenging,” she stated, noting that her tenure in the role is “temporary.”
The press secretary returned to work just four days after giving birth, balancing her responsibilities with motherhood during Trump’s campaign. She established a studio at home to accommodate both her professional duties and parenting, allowing her to conduct press interviews while caring for her child. “He was always with me throughout the entire duration of the campaign and just made it work,” Leavitt shared during an appearance on the Post Run High podcast in April 2025.
Leavitt acknowledged the guilt that often accompanies managing both a full-time job and motherhood. Yet, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family time, especially on weekends and evenings. “Having a good support system is so incredibly important,” she remarked, while admitting that she does not consider herself perfect in balancing these responsibilities.
While the challenges of her role can be overwhelming, Leavitt’s determination to excel at both work and home remains strong. She is committed to being a dedicated mother while delivering her best performance in the White House, demonstrating resilience in navigating the complexities of a high-pressure political environment.
