UPDATE: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 28, reveals the challenges of balancing her demanding job with family life, sharing profound insights into her chaotic schedule and its impact on her marriage. In a candid interview with The Daily Mail, Leavitt described her struggle with “post-traumatic stress disorder” regarding making plans due to constant cancellations linked to her role in the administration.
Leavitt, who has already completed 300 days in office, admitted, “Honestly, I have PTSD about making plans, so I just don’t.” With her husband, Nicholas Riccio, 60, and their one-year-old son, the family has learned to adapt to last-minute changes. “We just roll with it,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of seizing unexpected free time together.
The press secretary candidly advised aspiring professionals never to schedule plans after work, saying it’s a “rookie move.” Her summer was filled with planned getaways that were all canceled due to urgent foreign policy events. “My husband and I had three different mini weekend getaway vacations this summer. All three got canceled due to foreign policy events,” she noted.
These insights come as Leavitt continues to navigate the pressures of working for Donald Trump, hoping to remain in her position until the end of his second term in 2029. She has outlasted three of Trump’s previous press secretaries, showcasing her resilience in a highly demanding role.
Their relationship, marked by a significant age difference, has drawn public interest since they began dating when Leavitt was just 25. They married shortly before Trump’s inauguration in 2025. Leavitt explained the challenges of finding eligible partners her age, leading her to Riccio, a successful real estate developer with 15 buildings in New Hampshire.
Despite her hectic schedule, Leavitt prioritizes family time, particularly her son’s bedtime. “My priority is to always make it home for my kid’s bedtime,” she insisted, revealing that she often leaves work earlier than expected to ensure she can participate in family routines.
Her workday typically starts at 5 AM, involving briefings with the president and coordination with government officials to address press inquiries. Leavitt’s predecessor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, praised her capabilities, stating, “She is tough, brilliant, kind, and doing an amazing job in one of the hardest roles in all of politics.”
Leavitt encourages all women to pursue their ambitions, declaring, “Get married, have kids, and work your butt off. There’s no substitute for hard work.” This message resonates deeply amid her challenging role, making her story not only a personal account but a source of inspiration for many.
As Leavitt continues her journey in the White House, all eyes will be on her ability to balance the demands of her position with her family life, making her an emblem of modern professional motherhood in a chaotic political landscape.
