it would “likely” be her last gaggle for some time, joking that she was “about ready to have a baby any minute.”
The moment was personal, but the decision now carries official consequences. With Leavitt preparing to welcome her second child, the White House is adjusting how it will communicate with the press during her absence.
And the plan may not look like a traditional handoff.A Different Kind of Replacement Plan
Rather than naming one direct temporary replacement, the White House is expected to rely on a rotating group of officials to handle press briefings and public messaging while Leavitt is away.
According to reports, that group could include senior administration figures, Vice President JD Vance, and even President Donald Trump himself.
If Trump appears more frequently at the briefing podium, it would mark a notable shift in the rhythm of White House communications. Traditionally, the press secretary acts as the daily public voice of the administration, fielding questions, defending decisions, and setting the tone for the day’s political narrative.But Trump has long preferred direct communication, often choosing to speak to reporters himself rather than relying only on staff. A rotating setup could allow the administration to keep the briefing room active while also giving high-profile officials more visibility.
Steven Cheung to Oversee Communications
While the public-facing briefings may rotate, the broader communications operation is expected to remain under the leadership of White House Communications Director Steven Cheung.
Leavitt indicated that the press operation would continue during her leave, with Cheung and the existing team helping manage the flow of information.That structure gives the White House flexibility. Instead of placing the full weight of the role on one interim spokesperson, the administration can divide responsibilities among several familiar figures.
For the press corps, however, the change could make briefings less predictable. Different officials bring different styles, priorities, and levels of authority. A briefing led by a communications aide may look very different from one led by the vice president — and very different again if Trump himself takes questions.
A Historic Role and a Personal Milestone
Leavitt’s maternity leave comes after a historically significant period in her career. At 28, she became the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary, and her pregnancy made her one of the most closely watched figures in the administration’s public operation.
