At just 27 years old, Karoline Leavitt has already etched her name in history as the youngest White House Press Secretary under President Donald Trump’s second administration. Known for her sharp communication skills, unwavering dedication, and ability to juggle a high-stakes political career with motherhood, Leavitt continues to captivate the public’s attention. On Thursday, she made headlines once again with a heartfelt announcement: she and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, are expecting their second child in 2026. The news, shared via a candid Instagram post, was accompanied by an exciting revelation: Leavitt plans to host an exclusive media show to introduce the newborn to the world and is inviting the public to suggest names for what she hopes will be a baby girl.
A Growing Family in the Spotlight
Leavitt’s journey into motherhood has been anything but conventional. In July 2024, she welcomed her first child, Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio, just days before a dramatic moment in American political history—an assassination attempt on then-candidate Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Despite her newborn’s arrival, Leavitt returned to work within days, driven by a sense of duty to the Trump campaign. Her ability to balance motherhood with the demands of a high-profile role earned her widespread admiration, with many dubbing her a “super mom.” Photos of Leavitt working at her White House desk while cradling Niko went viral, showcasing her resilience and multitasking prowess.
Now, Leavitt is preparing to expand her family once more. In her Instagram announcement, she shared a black-and-white photo of herself and Niko, with her hand gently resting on a barely visible baby bump. The caption read: “Our hearts are growing bigger! Niko is going to be a big brother in 2026, and we couldn’t be more blessed. I’m secretly hoping for a little girl to join our family, and we’d love for you to help us find the perfect name for her. Stay tuned for something special—we’re planning a show to share this joy with all of you.”
The announcement sparked an outpouring of congratulations from colleagues, supporters, and even some political adversaries. Former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, who mentored Leavitt during Trump’s first term, commented, “Karoline, you’re an inspiration to working moms everywhere. Can’t wait to meet this little one!” Even President Trump took to Truth Social, writing, “Karoline is a star, and her family is growing—great news for a great American!”
A Unique Media Show to Share the Joy
Leavitt’s decision to host a media show to reveal her second child is a bold move, reflecting her background in communications and her knack for engaging with the public. Sources close to Leavitt say the show, tentatively scheduled for shortly after the baby’s birth in mid-2026, will be a blend of personal storytelling and public interaction. The event is expected to be broadcast live on multiple platforms, including traditional news outlets and social media channels, aligning with Leavitt’s push to include “new media” voices like podcasters and influencers in White House press briefings.
The show will reportedly feature Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, a 59-year-old real estate developer, sharing the story of their growing family. Niko, who will be nearly two years old by then, is expected to make an appearance, adding a heartwarming touch. A key highlight will be the reveal of the baby’s name, which Leavitt hopes will be chosen from suggestions submitted by the public. “Karoline wants this to be a celebration that everyone can feel part of,” a source told The Washington Post. “She’s always been about connecting with people, and this show is her way of inviting the country into her family’s joy.”
Leavitt’s openness about her personal life is notable in a political landscape often marked by guarded privacy. Her willingness to share milestones like her engagement, wedding, and Niko’s birth on Instagram has endeared her to many, even as she navigates criticism for her conservative views and combative press briefings. The media show is seen as an extension of this approach—a chance to humanize her public persona while reinforcing her role as a relatable figure.
Hoping for a Girl and Seeking the Perfect Name
In her announcement, Leavitt expressed her hope that her second child will be a girl, a sentiment she echoed in a brief interview with Fox News on Thursday. “Niko has brought so much love into our lives, and I’d be thrilled to have a little girl to dress up and share that mother-daughter bond with,” she said, smiling. “But of course, we’ll be overjoyed no matter what.” She encouraged viewers to send name suggestions via social media, promising to review them with Riccio and her family.
The call for name suggestions has already sparked a wave of creativity online. Fans and followers have flooded Leavitt’s Instagram and X accounts with ideas, ranging from classic names like Charlotte and Amelia to names with political resonance, such as Liberty and Reagan. One X user wrote, “How about Eleanor, after Eleanor Roosevelt? Strong, timeless, and classy!” Another suggested, “Grace would suit a little girl in your family—elegant and full of faith.” Leavitt has reportedly been saving her favorite suggestions in a notebook, planning to narrow them down closer to the due date.
Naming a child in the public eye is no small task, especially for someone as high-profile as Leavitt. Her choice of “Nicholas” for Niko, mirroring her husband’s name, was seen as a nod to family tradition. For her potential daughter, Leavitt has hinted at wanting a name that reflects strength, faith, and beauty—qualities she often cites as central to her identity. “I want her name to feel special, something that carries meaning for our family and inspires her as she grows,” she told The Conservateur in a recent interview.
Balancing Motherhood and a Historic Role
Leavitt’s announcement comes at a time when she continues to make waves as White House Press Secretary. Since taking the podium in January 2025, she has been praised for her poise and criticized for her confrontational style, particularly with traditional media outlets. Her decision to invite non-traditional media figures into the briefing room has reshaped the White House press corps, earning both accolades and backlash. Yet, through it all, Leavitt has remained steadfast, often crediting her Catholic faith and family for grounding her.
Motherhood, she says, has been her greatest teacher. In a March 2025 interview with The Christian Broadcasting Network, Leavitt opened up about the challenges of balancing her career with raising Niko. “Every working mom feels that tug of guilt, but I spend every second I can with my son,” she said. “Being a mom gives me perspective—it reminds me that this job is temporary, but my family is forever.” Her return to work just three days after Niko’s birth, prompted by the Trump assassination attempt, underscored her commitment, but also sparked debate about work-life balance for women in politics.
Leavitt’s husband, Nicholas Riccio, has been a steadfast supporter. Despite their 32-year age gap, which Leavitt has called an “atypical love story,” the couple’s bond is evident in their shared devotion to Niko and their excitement for their second child. Riccio, a private figure who shuns social media, has been described by Leavitt as “the best dad” and her “number one fan.” Their January 2025 wedding, held days before Trump’s inauguration, was a quiet affair at Wentworth By the Sea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire, reflecting their desire to keep some moments out of the spotlight.
A Nation Watches and Participates
As Leavitt prepares for her second child and the media show, the nation is watching—not just for the name reveal, but for what her journey says about the evolving role of women in politics. Her story resonates with many: a young woman from a small New Hampshire town, raised in a Catholic family, who rose to prominence through grit, faith, and an unapologetic embrace of her values. Her openness about motherhood, marriage, and the challenges of her job has made her a polarizing yet compelling figure.
The media show promises to be a unique moment in political and cultural history—a blend of personal milestone and public engagement, orchestrated by a woman who thrives at the intersection of both. As suggestions for her baby’s name pour in, Leavitt is savoring the anticipation. “This is a blessing beyond words,” she wrote in a follow-up Instagram post. “Thank you for sharing this journey with us. We can’t wait to meet our little one—and to share her name with you all.”
For now, Leavitt continues her work at the White House, fielding questions from reporters, shaping the Trump administration’s message, and preparing for the arrival of her second child. Whether it’s a girl or a boy, one thing is certain: the newest member of the Leavitt-Riccio family will be welcomed with love, fanfare, and a name chosen with care—perhaps with a little help from the American public.
