Karoline Leavitt welcomes birth of baby girl with husband Nicholas Riccio

WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the birth of her baby girl Viviana ‒ "Vivi" for short.

Leavitt on May 7 posted a photo on social media of her holding Vivi from a pink and yellow nursery. Vivi was born on May 1, she said.

"On May 1st, Viviana aka 'Vivi' joined our family, and our hearts instantly exploded with love," Leavitt wrote in the post. "She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister.

"We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble. Thank you to everyone who reached out with prayers during my pregnancy - I truly felt them throughout the entire experience. God is Good."

Leavitt is currently on maternity leave from her position as press secretary. She briefly returned to the podium following the April 24 shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner, which she attended. Prosecutors have accused a 31-year-old suspect of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during the event.

In Leavitt's absence, other top White House officials are expected to fill in sporadically, taking questions in the press briefing room. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was the first to serve in that role this week. It's unclear how long Leavitt will be away from the White House.

Vivi is Leavitt and husband Nicholas Riccio's second child. The couple also has a boy, Nicholas, or "Niko," who turns two years old in July.

Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.