‘Let’s get back to work’: Karoline Leavitt returns to the briefing room podium for the first time since maternity leave
‘Let’s Get Back to Work’: Leavitt Returns to Briefing Room
Let s get back to work – White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt officially resumed her daily duties Thursday, opening with a simple message: Let s get back to work. The announcement came without fanfare, marking her first full return to the briefing room podium since beginning maternity leave in late April. Journalists gathered to hear from the press secretary, who wasted no time getting straight to business. Her straightforward approach signaled that the White House communications operation would continue without interruption.
When asked about balancing motherhood with her high-profile role, Leavitt offered practical advice. With two children both under age two, she explained that success comes from consistency rather than any special formula. “You just have to show up every day and keep going,” she told reporters. She credited her husband with providing essential support at home while she managed her demanding schedule.
Policy Discussions Resume
Following personal remarks, the briefing shifted to substantive policy topics. Leavitt addressed President Donald Trump’s upcoming speech on election integrity, updates on Iran developments, and current economic conditions. Her performance has solidified her position as one of the president’s most reliable spokespeople during his second term, building on experience from his first administration.
Leavitt has earned recognition for her direct communication style. She handles tough questions from skeptical reporters with sharp responses while maintaining warmth with more supportive journalists. Her public image extends beyond professional duties, as she has shared glimpses of family life through social media and press interactions.
“It’s challenging. But for me, I view this as more than job — I view this as public service.”
Public photographs have captured Leavitt with her toddler son Niko aboard Air Force One and in the Oval Office. Images from White House Easter Egg Roll and Halloween events show her with her husband. She has also shared photos of baking apple pie from scratch and spending time with newborn daughter Viviana. These moments reveal domestic life but don’t fully illustrate the intensity of her work schedule.
Leavitt’s approach to maternity leave has been notably brief. When her first child was born in July 2024, she returned to campaign work after just four days. That return coincided with the day after Trump’s assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. This time, circumstances differed. The president faced an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner mere days before Viviana’s birth.
During this second leave, Leavitt held an unscheduled press briefing on Monday, April 27, to address the shooting before resuming her time off. Her absence created a noticeable void in White House press operations, with briefings becoming less frequent.
The press office managed the gap by rotating senior officials through the briefing room. Secretary of State Marco Rubio began the rotation on May 5, announcing the conclusion of combat operations in Iran. Vice President JD Vance appeared twice—first on May 19 regarding a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, then on June 18 for a memorandum of understanding with Iran.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also participated, fielding questions about Iran, economic policy, and plans to feature the president on American currency. CMS administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz faced scrutiny when reporters questioned Trump’s selection of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Oz, known from television, mentioned knowing Pulte personally but offered no additional White House commentary.
Leading up to her return, Leavitt remained visible on the White House campus and appeared on Fox News. She traveled with the president to Mount Rushmore but skipped a multi-day trip to the NATO Summit in Turkey, choosing to prioritize family during this transition period.
