White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says the demands of her role have put pressure on her marriage and significantly reduced time with her family—down to canceled vacations and fewer opportunities for date nights.
Leavitt said she tries to protect one part of the day as much as possible: being home in time for her son Niko’s bedtime, even while juggling briefings and other responsibilities. She described the personal strain of balancing public service with family life, especially when schedules change without warning.
According to Leavitt, she and her husband attempted to plan several short trips over the summer, but each one fell through because of world events.
“My husband and I had three different mini weekend getaway vacations this summer. All three got canceled due to foreign policy events,” she said. “We just roll with it. If there’s a night where I happen to become free, then we take full advantage of that as a family.”
She also praised her husband’s support during what she called an especially hectic stretch.
“He’s the father of my child, and he’s the best dad I could ever ask for. And he is so supportive, especially during a very chaotic period of life,” Leavitt said.
Leavitt added that her routine involves early briefings, workouts, and church when possible, while keeping family as the priority. She also said daily check-ins with President Trump are an important part of how she prepares for her job.
“Honestly, I have PTSD about making plans, so I just don’t,” she said.
