‘Last gaggle for some time’: Karoline Leavitt jokes press can ‘call the president’ during her leave

WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Friday, April 24, that she is stepping away for maternity leave, joking that since reporters have President Donald Trump's number, there will be no "shortage of statements" while she is gone. 

The 28-year-old, who is the youngest person to ever hold the high-profile role, is preparing to welcome her second child, a daughter, in the coming days.

Karoline Leavitt set for maternity leave

During her final press gaggle, Leavitt poked fun at her late stage of pregnancy, telling the media, "On a personal matter, this will likely be my last gaggle for some time. As you can see, I'm about ready to have a baby any minute."

She reassured the press that they would be in good hands with the rest of the communications team, but added a witty remark about their direct access to the Oval Office.

"I will see you guys very soon. I know you'll be in very good hands with my team here at the White House. And I know all of you have the president's phone number personally. So, I have no doubt that you'll have a shortage of statements and news from this building while I'm gone," she said.

In an additional post on X, Leavitt urged her followers to stay updated through her colleagues, communications director Steven Cheung and her team, Pat Adams, Anna Kelly, Kush Desai, Abigail Jackson, Liz Huston, Taylor Rogers, Davis Ingle, Allison Schuster, Olivia Wales, Micah Stopperich, Ellie Acra, Georgia O'Neil and Kieghan Nangle while she is away.

While her exact return date is unconfirmed, Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials are expected to fill in for press briefings during her absence, with no plans to replace her.

Karoline Leavitt teases Trump’s attendance at White House Correspondents’ dinner

Leavitt also discussed President Trump’s plans to attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, noting it was a significant moment for the country's 250th year.

She described Trump as the most transparent president and promised an engaging night for those attending.

"As for tomorrow night, I hope that we will see all of you there. I know the president is very much looking forward to it. I think it's quite fitting that in our nation's 250th year, the most transparent and accessible president will be attending the White House Correspondence Centre for the first time. His speech will be very entertaining. That is what I will tell you. So everyone should tune in," she noted.

Karoline Leavitt celebrates baby shower at Trump National Golf Club

Leavitt, who already has a son born in July 2024, recently celebrated her upcoming arrival with a baby shower at the Trump National Golf Club.

Sharing photos of the event on Instagram, she expressed her thanks to her friends and photographer @ahanksphoto, stating, "My beautiful friends threw me a beautiful baby shower, and I couldn’t be more grateful."

As she headed into the final weeks of her pregnancy, she reflected on the support from the women in her life. "I feel blessed to have so many strong and loving women in my life," she wrote, adding, "Can’t believe we will welcome our little lady into the world in a few weeks."