White House Press Office Gears Up for Maternity Leave Transition
As Karoline Leavitt, the youngest press secretary in White House history, prepares to welcome her second child, speculation is rife about who will step into her shoes during her upcoming maternity leave. Leavitt, 28, is expected to give birth in May, and the spotlight is now on three key figures within her press office who are considered potential stand-ins: Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, Assistant Press Secretary Taylor Rogers, and Regional Press Secretary Liz Huston.
The transition period, while a joyous occasion for Leavitt personally, presents a significant operational challenge for the press team. Each of the potential successors brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, honed through their work within the political arena and beyond.
Anna Kelly: A Seasoned Campaign Trail Veteran
Anna Kelly, who joined the White House press office in January, is no stranger to the demanding world of political communication. Her background is rich with experience garnered from numerous Republican campaigns, providing her with a deep understanding of strategic messaging and public engagement.
Before her current role, Kelly served as a national press secretary for the Republican National Convention. She also held the position of communications director for the House of Representatives, demonstrating a well-rounded expertise in handling press relations at high levels of government. This extensive political background is a significant asset as the team navigates Leavitt’s absence.
Interestingly, Kelly also has a notable history with beauty pageants, having been crowned Miss State Fair of Virginia in 2019. She leveraged this platform to actively encourage young people to engage with the political process. In an interview with the Fairfax Times, she articulated her commitment to fostering civic participation, stating, “In today’s polarized political climate, it is our job to step up to the plate and work to ensure the government we receive is a good one.” She further emphasised, “It is my goal as Miss State Fair of Virginia to show young people that, contrary to what they might believe, we do have a voice and it’s about time we used it.”
An alumna of Auburn University, Kelly also holds the distinguished title of Special Assistant to President Donald Trump, as indicated on her social media profile.
Taylor Rogers: A Rising Star on the Communications Front
Taylor Rogers, who became engaged in December, also joined the White House press team at the commencement of Trump’s second term. Her career trajectory mirrors that of her boss in several respects, including her previous association with the Republican National Convention. Rogers dedicated nearly two years to writing for the convention before transitioning to her current role within the White House.
A graduate of Clemson University, Rogers has been a visible presence alongside Leavitt in the Oval Office. She frequently uses social media to document and share her experiences at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, highlighting her active involvement in the press operations. Her dedication and growing presence suggest a strong readiness to take on increased responsibilities.
Liz Huston: Bringing a Diverse Skillset to the Table
Liz Huston, an alumna of Indiana University, brings a different yet valuable perspective to the press office. Her prior professional experience includes a role as a program manager at StateRAMP, a cybersecurity company. This background in a technical and corporate environment, following an internship, provides her with a unique understanding of diverse organisational structures and communication needs.
A Pro-Family Environment and Personal Reflections
While Leavitt has not yet officially announced the exact date of her maternity leave, she recently celebrated her impending arrival with a baby shower for her second child. She shared heartwarming photos from the event on social media, including one with her mother, Erin, and close friends.
In a touching caption, Leavitt expressed her deep gratitude: “My beautiful friends threw me a beautiful baby shower, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I feel blessed to have so many strong and loving women in my life and can’t believe we will welcome our little lady into the world in a few weeks.”
Leavitt, who welcomed her son Niko in July 2024, announced in December that she and her husband are expecting a daughter. She described the news as “the greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for.”
Sharing her joy, Leavitt stated, “My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and can’t wait to watch our son become a big brother. My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood, which I truly believe is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth.”
Leavitt also extended her appreciation to President Trump and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, crediting them with fostering “a pro-family environment in the White House.” She optimistically concluded, “2026 is going to be a great year, and I’m so excited to be a girl mom.”
A Unique Personal Journey
Leavitt’s personal life has also garnered attention, particularly her relationship with her spouse, Riccio. The couple met during Leavitt’s unsuccessful congressional campaign in New Hampshire in 2022. Last March, she spoke candidly about their relationship and the 32-year age gap they share.
Addressing the topic with Megyn Kelly, Leavitt spoke glowingly of her husband: “He is my greatest supporter, he’s my best friend, and he’s my rock. He’s built a very successful business himself so now he’s fully supportive of me building my success in my career. He’s the father of my child, and he’s the best dad I could ever ask for. And he is so supportive, especially during a very chaotic period of life.” Her openness about her personal life, coupled with her professional dedication, paints a picture of a multifaceted individual navigating significant personal and professional milestones.
