Karoline Leavitt starts her day at 5 a.m. in Washington, D.C. As the press secretary for President Donald Trump, she dives into the news and checks what the president has shared online overnight. After a quick workout, if time allows, she spends precious moments with her young son, Niko, before heading to the White House.
In a recent interview, Leavitt emphasized the importance of family time, saying, “I try to prioritize returning home for bedtime.” She cherishes the moments of dinner, bath time, and reading to Niko before he sleeps. This balance between her demanding job and motherhood is something she learned from her predecessor, Sarah Sanders, who encouraged her to set boundaries. However, Leavitt acknowledges that there are times when national security issues require her to stay late.
Leavitt’s role is challenging, especially as a new mother. She returned to work just days after giving birth. Her swift return was influenced by a serious incident involving an assassination attempt on Trump, which motivated her to jump back into her duties.
She is not alone in this balancing act. Many parents work in the Trump administration, including Stephen Miller and his wife, who have three children, and others like Alex Pfeiffer and Sonny Nelson, who also juggle family responsibilities. Leavitt notes that the environment at the White House is supportive of parents, allowing them to attend to family needs without fear of being judged.
Joanna Wischer, another mother in the administration, echoed this sentiment, describing a culture that values family time. She highlighted how the team understands the need for parents to leave for appointments or to make it home for important moments with their kids.
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles promotes a work culture that respects family commitments. Leavitt mentioned that Wiles encourages staff to maximize productivity during the day, so parents can return home in time for bedtime routines.
Rachel Cauley, who also works at the Office of Management and Budget, shared how becoming a mother has changed her perspective on work. She feels a deeper connection to the policies she supports, knowing they impact her child’s future.
Kara Frederick, a senior policy advisor, described her job as intense but rewarding. She appreciates the support from her colleagues, who celebrate motherhood together, like throwing baby showers for expectant mothers.
Leavitt and her colleagues emphasize the importance of a strong support system at home. She expressed gratitude for her husband’s involvement and the help from her parents, which allows her to manage both her roles as a mother and a press secretary effectively.
The mothers in the Trump administration are aware of the sacrifices they make for their careers. They often leave home early and return late, missing out on time with their children. Yet, Leavitt believes in the work she is doing. She sees her position as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to a historic presidency. She is motivated by the belief that Trump’s policies are making a positive difference in the country, and she hopes to make the most of this unique experience.