White House Press Secretary Announces Birth of Second Child White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed the birth of her second child, a daughter named Viviana, on May 1st. In an Instagram post, Leavitt shared the news, expressing her family’s overwhelming joy and love for the newborn. “Viviana, aka ‘Vivi,’ joined our family, and our hearts instantly exploded with love,” she wrote. She described her daughter as “perfect and healthy,” while also noting her son, Nicholas, or “Niko,” is “joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister.” Leavitt emphasized the family’s contentment, calling their time together a “blissful newborn bubble.” Leavitt, who has served as press secretary since President Donald Trump’s return to office last year, has been on maternity leave since April. Her absence from the White House has been temporarily bridged by other administration members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who took over briefing duties earlier this week. Rubio, known for his humorous and unfiltered remarks, described the briefing process as “chaos” and joked about struggling to recall reporters’ names. However, Leavitt’s return to her role remains uncertain, as the administration has not specified when she will resume her duties. The announcement comes amid ongoing responsibilities at the White House, including the aftermath of the April 24 shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Leavitt briefly returned to the press corps to address the situation, highlighting her critical role in communicating updates during crises. Her husband, Nicholas Riccio, is the father of both children, and their son Niko will turn two years old in July. Leavitt’s transition to maternity leave has raised questions about the administration’s preparedness for leadership gaps.#white_house #marco_rubio #karoline_leavitt #white_house_correspondents_dinner #viviana
White House Press Secretary Announces Birth of Daughter Viviana White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Thursday the birth of her second child, a baby girl named Viviana, in a social media post. Leavitt shared details about her growing family, expressing gratitude for the support received during her pregnancy. She described the newborn as "perfect and healthy," and noted that her older son, Niko, born in July 2024, is adjusting to life with his new baby sister. The announcement came as Leavitt, who became the first pregnant press secretary in U.S. history, returned to the podium after her maternity leave. Leavitt’s post highlighted the joy of welcoming Viviana, born on May 1, and emphasized the family’s gratitude for the prayers and well-wishes received throughout her pregnancy. She described the experience as "blissful" and expressed her faith in the process, stating, "God is Good." The post included a photo of the newborn, though no further details about the child’s health or the family’s plans were provided. The White House’s purported plan for a lineup of guest hosts for press briefings to replace Leavitt while she is on maternity leave was revealed late last month. Politico’s White House bureau chief Dasha Burns reported on social media on April 24 that Leavitt will be returning to the podium after her maternity leave, "though it’s unclear exactly how many weeks she’ll take." The White House confirmed the report to Fox News Digital at the time. Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, attends the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2026.#white_house #karoline_leavitt #white_house_correspondents_dinner #viviana #niko
Karoline Leavitt Nears Maternity Leave as She Prepares for Baby’s Arrival Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, is preparing to step down from her role as she approaches maternity leave. She announced her pregnancy in December, revealing she is expecting a baby girl to arrive in May. During a press gaggle on April 24, she humorously indicated her imminent departure, stating, “I’m about ready to have a baby any minute,” and assured reporters she would return “very soon.” Her comments came as she bid farewell to the press, signaling the end of her current tenure at the White House. Leavitt, 28, confirmed her pregnancy in an Instagram post in December, expressing gratitude to President Donald Trump and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for fostering a “pro-family environment” in the White House. She also mentioned her plans to attend the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25. During her final press briefing, she joked about the informal sharing of President Trump’s phone number among journalists, a practice noted by The Atlantic and Semafor as a “worst-kept secret in Washington.” The White House has not named a single replacement for Leavitt, who will be absent for an unspecified period. Instead, various administration officials, including Cabinet members, Vice President JD Vance, or even President Trump himself, may step in to brief the press during her absence. Politico reported that this approach reflects the White House’s strategy to maintain continuity in communications while accommodating Leavitt’s personal circumstances. Leavitt’s announcement in December marked the beginning of her transition to maternity leave.#white_house #president_donald_trump #karoline_leavitt #susie_wiles #white_house_correspondents_association_dinner
Which Americans Will Be Automatically Registered for Military Draft, and When? A government filing has revealed that men within a specific age range could be automatically registered for a potential military draft before the end of this year. The proposed rule, submitted by the Selective Service System (SSS) on March 30, outlines a change that would take effect by December 2026. This adjustment was initially approved by Congress in 2025 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The rule targets American males aged 18 to 25, expanding the scope of automatic registration for the first time since the Vietnam War era. The U.S. has maintained an all-volunteer military force since the 1970s, with the last draft having been suspended after the Vietnam War. However, the Selective Service System has remained active since 1980, when President Jimmy Carter reinstated registration. The new rule, if implemented, would reintroduce a system where eligible males are automatically enrolled, bypassing the current self-registration process. Failure to comply could result in severe legal consequences, including a felony charge punishable by up to $250,000 in fines or five years in prison. The proposal comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly following the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran in March. The conflict, which temporarily paused due to a two-week ceasefire, has raised questions about the feasibility of deploying ground troops. During the early stages of the operation, the Trump administration faced inquiries about the possibility of reinstating the draft. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed these concerns, stating that the option of conscription remained under consideration.#trump_administration #selective_service_system #karoline_leavitt #national_defense_authorization_act_2025 #jimmy_carter
US Plans to Automatically Register Young Men for Military Draft Eligibility The United States is set to implement a new policy that would automatically register young men for military draft eligibility starting as early as December, marking a significant shift from the current system of self-registration. The proposal, introduced by the Selective Service System (SSS), aims to transfer the responsibility of registration from individual men to federal authorities by integrating with existing government databases. This change, which has been approved by Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, seeks to streamline the process and reduce the administrative burden on the government. The U.S. military has operated as an all-volunteer force since 1973, following the end of the Vietnam War, when the last draft was suspended. However, the new rule would reintroduce a form of mandatory registration, though not necessarily conscription. Under the proposed system, men would be automatically registered for draft eligibility when they turn 18, eliminating the need for them to complete the process themselves within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Proponents argue that this approach would save the government millions of dollars annually, as current efforts to remind eligible men to register cost significant resources. The Selective Service System, which oversees the registration process, submitted the proposal to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on March 30. The SSS stated that the change would "transfer responsibility for registration from individual men to SSS" through integration with other federal data sources, such as tax records and driver’s license databases.#united_states #selective_service_system #karoline_leavitt #chrissy_houlahan #national_defense_authorization_act
White House turns down Elon Musk's offer to pay TSA workers during DHS shutdown The White House has declined an offer from Elon Musk to cover the salaries of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers during a partial government shutdown that has left airport travelers across the country without proper staffing. According to multiple sources, Musk’s proposal was considered seriously by Trump administration officials, but legal hurdles could prevent him from directly or indirectly funding the pay, particularly due to his existing government contracts. White House officials also expressed confidence that the partial shutdown would end soon, according to unnamed sources. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized Democrats for the stalemate, accusing them of prolonging the crisis. “The president and the Republicans’ position has been very clear—fund the Department of Homeland Security,” Leavitt stated. Musk publicly offered to pay TSA personnel during the funding impasse, posting on X, where he noted the impact on American travelers. President Trump praised the idea, saying, “I’d love it. I think it’s great. Let him do that.” However, the administration has not accepted the offer, citing legal complexities. The estimated cost of Musk’s proposal is around $250 million, according to two sources. While the government could theoretically redirect funds from its general account to cover the pay, federal law prohibits private individuals from directly compensating government employees. However, citizens can donate to the U.S. government through the “Gifts to the U.S. Government” account, which can then be allocated to budget needs.#white_house #elon_musk #karoline_leavitt #transportation_security_administration #dhs_shutdown
Frankfurt Open: Losses mount as war teeters between threats and diplomacy The tentative relief seen mid-week evaporated across European equity markets on Thursday. Brent crude, which had slipped below the 100 dollar mark on Wednesday morning, is once again trading significantly above that threshold. Amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, oil remains the primary barometer for market anxieties regarding inflation and economic growth. Consequently, the Dax resumed its downward trajectory. The German benchmark index fell by approximately one percent to 22,737 points. It remains within Monday's range, a session characterized by spectacular volatility where conflicting news flow caused a 1,300-point swing. After hitting a wartime low of 21,863 points, the index had staged a sharp intraday recovery to 23,178 points. The Middle East conflict continues to oscillate between escalation and diplomatic efforts. The US administration has threatened Iran with even more severe strikes should the country's leadership fail to capitulate. "If they do not realize that they have been defeated militarily and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than ever before," said government spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. While "productive" discussions continue at a diplomatic level, she noted that despite these negotiations, Trump is prepared to let hell break loose in Iran. The MDax, which tracks German mid-caps, retreated 1.2 percent to 28,470 points on Thursday, while the Eurozone's blue-chip EuroStoxx 50 index shed 0.8 percent. On Wall Street, the focus remains on the broader implications of the Middle East conflict, with investors closely monitoring developments that could further impact global markets.#iran #karoline_leavitt #middle_east_conflict #us_administration #frankfurt_open
Iran-Israel War Escalates as Talks and Strikes Intensify U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iran was participating in peace talks, suggesting that Tehran’s refusal to acknowledge the negotiations stemmed from fears of internal opposition. “They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly. But they’re afraid to say it, because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people,” Trump stated during a dinner for Republican lawmakers. He also warned that Iran’s reluctance could lead to further escalation, stating, “If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment... Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before.” The White House echoed this stance, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt asserting that Iran should not reject a potential deal to end the war in West Asia. “President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again,” Leavitt said, while emphasizing that “talks continue.” However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the U.S. overture, declaring, “We do not intend to negotiate.” He framed Iran’s position as one of resistance, stating, “Our policy is the continuation of resistance,” and warned that Washington’s push for talks was an “admission of defeat.” Iran has outlined its own conditions for a ceasefire, including a mechanism to prevent Israel and the U.S. from resuming hostilities, compensation for war damages, a halt to regional conflicts, and international recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. These demands reflect Tehran’s insistence on ending the war on its terms, as stated by an Iranian official quoted by Press TV. Meanwhile, Israel’s military confirmed it had launched “wide-scale” strikes across Iran, targeting infrastructure in the central city of Isfahan.#iran #israel #donald_trump #abbas_araghchi #karoline_leavitt
Trump prepared to 'unleash hell' if Iran doesn't make deal, White House warns, amid questions on status of talks White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt provided limited details about ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, but emphasized that President Donald Trump remains prepared to take severe action if Tehran refuses to reach a deal. Leavitt warned that Trump would ensure Iran faces "more punishment than ever" if the country fails to accept the "reality of the current moment," including its military defeat. She described Trump’s stance as firm, stating, "President Trump does not bluff, and he is prepared to unleash hell." The administration has sent a 15-point peace plan to Iran through Pakistan, according to sources. Iran’s Press TV cited an official rejecting the U.S. proposal, while Tehran denied any negotiations had occurred. Leavitt insisted talks are "ongoing and productive" but avoided specifics on the discussions, the Iranian representatives involved, or plans for in-person meetings. When asked if the talks had reached an impasse, she dismissed the idea, asserting, "They have not." Trump recently delayed major attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure for five days, citing "productive" talks as a reason. Leavitt highlighted that the U.S. is offering Iran an opportunity to "permanently abandon nuclear ambitions" and stop threatening America and its allies. Both Pakistan and Egypt have proposed hosting talks, though nothing is finalized. Leavitt cautioned against treating unconfirmed reports as official, stating, "Nothing should be deemed official until it is announced formally by the White House." Key figures in the negotiations include Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.#iran #trump #white_house #jared_kushner #karoline_leavitt
US Warns Iran: Trump Ready to Take Strong Action if No Deal Is Reached Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that US President Donald Trump does not engage in bluffing and warned Iran against miscalculating the current geopolitical situation. Leavitt stated that Trump is prepared to take decisive and severe measures against Iran if a negotiated resolution to the Middle East conflict is not achieved. She reiterated that Iran should not underestimate the United States’ resolve, asserting that Trump would ensure Iran faces consequences far greater than any it has experienced before if it fails to accept the current reality. Leavitt described the US military campaign against Iran as a “resounding military triumph,” highlighting the significant reduction of Iran’s naval capabilities. She claimed this represents the largest elimination of a navy in three weeks since World War Two. The operation, referred to as Operation Epic Fury, has reportedly brought US forces “very close to meeting the core objectives” of the military action. However, Leavitt cautioned that further strikes could occur if negotiations with Iran do not yield progress. The spokesperson confirmed that the US is engaged in “productive conversations” with Iran but declined to provide specific details about the ongoing talks, calling the issue sensitive and in flux. She acknowledged that there are “elements of truth” in a 15-point plan reportedly proposed by the United States, though some reports about the negotiations have been “not entirely factual.” Leavitt emphasized that she would not negotiate on behalf of the president, stating that discussions are ongoing.#us #iran #donald_trump #operation_epic_fury #karoline_leavitt
Trump to hit Iran harder if Tehran does not accept defeat, White House says President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face even harsher consequences if the country refuses to acknowledge its military defeat, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Speaking during a press briefing on March 25, Leavitt emphasized that Trump does not engage in empty threats and is prepared to escalate actions against Iran if Tehran fails to recognize its position. "Iran should not miscalculate again," she stated, adding that the president would ensure the nation faces "the hardest hit it has ever been hit before" if it continues to resist the current reality. The U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, now in its fourth week, has drawn international attention as multiple countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, attempt to mediate the conflict. Despite these efforts, Iran remains engaged in discussions with Washington over a potential ceasefire. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that the country is still reviewing a U.S. proposal to end the war, though initial responses were negative. Leavitt confirmed that talks are ongoing, describing them as "productive" and aligned with Trump’s previous statements. Media reports cited unnamed sources claiming the U.S. had sent Tehran a 15-point plan to conclude the conflict. However, Leavitt disputed the accuracy of these reports, stating that while some elements of the plan may be true, the details were not fully confirmed. "The White House never confirmed that full plan," she said, warning against speculating on behalf of the president. She declined to provide specifics, emphasizing that the administration would not engage in negotiations during the briefing.#iran #united_states #trump #white_house #karoline_leavitt
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt asserts President Donald Trump does not bluff and is prepared to take decisive action against Iran White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday highlighted President Donald Trump’s military strikes on Iran as the most concrete evidence yet that the leader does not bluff. Leavitt emphasized that Trump’s actions demonstrate a willingness to escalate tensions with Iran, framing the strikes as a clear signal of his readiness to pursue aggressive measures. The remarks came amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, with Leavitt linking Trump’s decisions to his broader strategy of confronting adversaries without hesitation. Iranians speak out about possible US-Iran negotiations Residents of Iran have expressed mixed reactions to the possibility of renewed diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. While some hope for a resolution to the ongoing conflict, others remain skeptical, citing past failures in negotiations and the deepening crisis in the region. Reports indicate that Iranians are increasingly focused on domestic challenges, such as economic instability and energy shortages, rather than political developments abroad. The United States and Israel’s war with Iran has sent fuel prices skyrocketing The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has triggered a sharp rise in global fuel prices, with significant impacts on economies worldwide. Stephanie Yang’s report highlights how this surge in energy costs is driving increased interest in clean energy alternatives. Analysts suggest that the shift toward renewable energy could provide a much-needed boost to China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, which has been expanding rapidly in recent years.#iran #president_donald_trump #karoline_leavitt #middle_east_conflict #white_house_press_secretary
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to Address Media on Iran, Troop Deployments and TSA Disruptions White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is scheduled to hold a press briefing on Wednesday to address a series of pressing national and international issues, including military actions in the Middle East, immigration policy, and the ongoing impact of government funding delays. The briefing follows heightened tensions with Iran, a significant troop deployment to the region, and domestic challenges affecting federal operations. The briefing coincides with the Supreme Court’s consideration of a landmark immigration case that could redefine the conditions under which asylum seekers are permitted to request protection at the U.S.-Mexico border. This legal development has placed the administration’s immigration policies under increased scrutiny, as the court’s decision could alter the framework for border security and refugee protections. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has announced plans to deploy additional U.S. forces to the Middle East, including at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division. This move comes amid escalating tensions with Iran, which has intensified its attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab nations. Iranian state media reported that Tehran rejected a U.S.-proposed 15-point ceasefire plan, despite the proposal being transmitted through Pakistan. Iran’s recent attacks, including a significant assault on Kuwait International Airport, have further complicated regional stability. Domestically, the administration faces criticism over the effects of the government funding stalemate, which has led to staffing shortages and operational delays at federal agencies.#iran #pentagon #white_house #karoline_leavitt #transportation_security_administration
White House Holds Briefing as Troops Deploy to Middle East White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conducted a press briefing as the Pentagon announced the deployment of additional U.S. troops to the Middle East in connection with Operation Epic Fury, a military operation in Iran. The briefing came amid heightened tensions in the region, with officials emphasizing the strategic importance of the troop movement. Leavitt provided updates on the administration’s response to the escalating situation, highlighting coordination between military and civilian authorities. The deployment follows recent reports of increased activity in the area, including airstrikes and ground operations targeting Iranian military assets. Pentagon officials stated that the additional troops are being sent to reinforce existing forces and support ongoing efforts to stabilize the region. The operation is part of a broader strategy to address perceived threats to national security and regional stability. Analysts noted that the timing of the deployment aligns with growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and its regional influence. The White House has previously warned of the potential for further escalation, urging diplomatic engagement while maintaining a firm stance on security priorities. Leavitt reiterated the administration’s commitment to protecting U.S. interests and allies in the region. The briefing also addressed the impact of the troop movement on domestic policy, with officials emphasizing the need for bipartisan support to fund the operation. While no immediate changes to defense spending were announced, lawmakers are expected to debate the issue in the coming weeks. The administration has also called for increased intelligence sharing with regional partners to monitor developments.#iran #pentagon #white_house #operation_epic_fury #karoline_leavitt
Joe Kent Resignation: White House says Joe Kent was not involved in Iran operation talks, reaffirms Donald Trump’s confidence in Tulsi Gabbard The White House has clarified that Joe Kent, who recently resigned from his position as the former National Counterterrorism Center chief, was not involved in any discussions related to the US operation in Iran. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that President Donald Trump continues to have “full confidence” in Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, despite the political fallout from Kent’s resignation. Leavitt told Fox News that Kent, the first senior Trump administration official to resign over the Iran conflict, “was not involved in any discussions on the Iran operation.” This statement was aimed at downplaying the significance of Kent’s public break with the administration, especially as his resignation has raised questions about the intelligence basis for the war and whether there was internal dissent within the national security establishment. Leavitt used the interview to strongly support Tulsi Gabbard, stating that Trump has “full confidence” in the Director of National Intelligence despite the political storm triggered by Kent’s exit. She also addressed Kent’s claims that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States, calling them “false claims” and noting that Democrats and some in the liberal media had repeated similar arguments. Leavitt said that Trump had “strong and compelling evidence” that Iran was preparing to attack the United States first. She added that the intelligence behind the president’s decision came from multiple sources, and that Trump would never make the decision to deploy military assets against a foreign adversary in a vacuum.#white_house #karoline_leavitt #joe_kent #tulsi_gabbard #iran_operation
Can the SAVE America Act Actually Pass Congress? The SAVE America Act, a proposed federal law that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and tighten identification rules at the polls, faces significant political and legal hurdles as it moves through Congress. The bill, which passed the House earlier this year, is now under consideration in the Senate, where it could become a defining issue in the upcoming midterm elections. President Donald Trump has framed the legislation as a critical step to secure Republican dominance in Congress, warning that failure to pass a version of the bill could jeopardize the party’s control of the midterms. The Senate is set to vote on the SAVE America Act this week, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune positioning the bill as a priority. The legislation would mandate that states provide federal authorities with access to voter rolls to verify that all registered voters are U.S. citizens. This provision, along with stricter requirements for proving citizenship during registration and voting, has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and civil rights advocates, who argue it could disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Key provisions of the bill include requiring voters to present documents such as passports, birth certificates, or other official identification to prove citizenship. Critics highlight that millions of Americans, including 146 million citizens without valid passports and 69 million married women without updated birth certificates, could face barriers to voting. While White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed concerns about these groups facing undue hardship, experts caution that even minor obstacles could disenfranchise voters, particularly in states with limited access to government services.#midterm_elections #donald_trump #save_america_act #karoline_leavitt #john_thune
Could There Be a Military Draft? Trump Administration Says It’s 'On Table' As the United States continues its military actions against Iran, questions about the potential for a draft have emerged, with administration officials acknowledging the possibility remains an open option. The conflict, which began roughly 10 days ago under President Donald Trump’s orders, has already resulted in six U.S. soldier deaths. While Trump has publicly defended the operation as a response to an “imminent threat” from Iran, the duration of the conflict remains uncertain. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has avoided specifying a timeline, citing the need to protect military strategies. The prospect of a draft has sparked concern among families, with some fearing the involvement of unenlisted Americans in the war. During an interview with Fox Business’ Sunday Morning Futures, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue, stating that the administration has not ruled out the possibility. “President Trump wisely does not remove options off the table,” Leavitt said, emphasizing the administration’s cautious approach to assessing the operation’s success. She also reiterated the threat posed by Iran, noting the nation’s alleged attacks on U.S. and allied forces for 47 years. Hegseth later echoed similar sentiments during a 60 Minutes interview, declining to confirm whether U.S. forces are currently present in Iran. “We reserve the right to take any particular option,” he said, including the possibility of deploying troops. The defense secretary emphasized that the primary goal of Operation Epic Fury is to neutralize Iran’s “nuclear ambitions,” though details of how this will be achieved remain classified. The discussion of a draft has historical significance. The U.S.#pete_hegseth #operation_epic_fury #trump_administration #karoline_leavitt #selective_service
