Karoline Leavitt has sparked widespread confusion across the country after seemingly indicating she is no longer affiliated with President Donald Trump’s “political team,” even though she serves as his press secretary.
The 28-year-old, whose face before surgery was exposed in shock photos and has served as the official spokesperson for the 79-year-old commander-in-chief since his second term commenced, was fielding questions from journalists during a White House press briefing on April 22.
During the session, a reporter inquired, “On the issue of Virginia redistricting, as he weighed in this afternoon, why didn’t he campaign more actively against this referendum? Why not spend time on Truth Social encouraging people vote no before the vote.” It comes after Trump made a disturbing sex comment on stage that silenced the audience.READ MORE: Daughter of Donald Trump’s doctor makes bombshell claim about his healthREAD MORE: Trump’s disturbing reply after learning MTG’s son received death threats, revealed by insider
Leavitt responded, “That’s a question that’s political by nature. As you know, I’m not part of the President’s political team anymore. I do sit here at the White House as a government employee.”
Following her clarification that she isn’t affiliated with Trump’s so-called “political team”, she added, “Look, the President has a lot on his plate, a lot on his schedule.”
Leavitt: That's a question that's political by nature, as you know, I'm not part of the president's political team anymore. I do sit here at the White House as a government employee pic.twitter.com/noeqZ0K68N
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 22, 2026
“He did host a telephone call prior to the election, the night before, but he’s made his position on the results of this election clear today,” the expectant mother of two concluded.
Observers online have noted that she has previously addressed politically charged questions, leading some to believe she may be attempting to distance herself from Trump.
A video clip capturing the moment was posted on X, prompting users to immediately challenge her statements. One user questioned, “Wait…did I miss the part where she was fired? Isn’t Press Secretary a political position? Is she not Press Secretary anymore? What did I miss?”
“So you’re telling me the White House Press Secretary isn’t going to answer any more political questions? What is she supposed to talk about then? The weather?” another wondered.
A third user remarked, “Ummm what? Not part of his political team? Your his press secretary and he runs his admin by posts, so you don’t get to separate the two.”
Someone else stated, “Too late to distance urself now…you’ve been peddling his lies all year,” while a fifth person added, “What a complete bobble head… Another example of people in this Administration not qualified for the job they have.” Meanwhile, a sixth commenter questioned, “How can she say that with a straight face?”
Trump reportedly hinted that he had shared information with a member of the press without revealing what was disclosed or the recipient’s identity. Instead, he indicated that the top communications adviser would need to “wait and see,” just like everybody else.
Since Trump and Israel initiated their unexpected military action against Iran on February 28, the president has been taking calls on his personal mobile device from a steadily expanding group of reporters, frequently delivering conflicting messages.
Officials informed the outlet that aides have attempted to dissuade the president from taking such calls, which have led to additional chaos and confusion both domestically and internationally.
Has Karoline Leavitt been fired?
Karoline Leavitt has not been fired and continues to serve as Trump’s press secretary.
Is Karoline Leavitt going on maternity leave?
Leavitt is expecting her second child, a baby girl, due in May 2026 with her husband, Nicholas Riccio. While she is anticipated to take maternity leave in May, reports indicate it will be short, consistent with her approach of returning to work rapidly after her first child’s birth in July 2024.
