‘When Usha Has Our Baby…’: JD Vance Jokes Karoline Leavitt Should Be VP For Few Weeks

Last Updated:May 20, 2026, 11:19 IST

JD Vance jokes Karoline Leavitt should be Vice President during his paternity leave, as Leavitt takes maternity leave after birth of daughter Viviana.

Laughter broke out in the White House on Tuesday (local time) after US Vice President JD Vance jokingly said that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt should take over his post temporarily when his wife, Usha Vance, gives birth to their fourth child later this year.

The exchange unfolded when Vance stepped behind the White House podium to address reporters in Leavitt’s absence, as she is on maternity leave after welcoming her second child earlier this month.

“I told Karoline I would stand in for her today for the White House press briefing on the condition that when Usha has our baby in July, that she would be Vice President for a couple of weeks," Vance said while addressing the reporters.

Political commentator Eric Daugherty also shared the clip on X, joking that Vance agreed to handle the briefing on “ONE CONDITION."

Before Vance, US State Secretary Marco Rubio took over the White House briefing duties.

Leavitt Announces Birth Of Baby Girl

Leavitt announced the birth of her daughter, Viviana, on May 1 and is currently on maternity leave. The 28-year-old White House press secretary and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, are also parents to their son Niko, who was born in July 2024.

Leavitt expressed her glee over the birth of her second child, saying: “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".

At present, she is enjoying her maternity leave and expected to return to the White House after a brief pause.

Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, 60, is a real estate developer.

JD Vance To Welcome 4th Child

Meanwhile, JD Vance and Usha Vance announced in January that they are expecting their fourth child, another baby boy, due in late July this year.

The couple are parents to three children — Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.

News world ‘When Usha Has Our Baby…’: JD Vance Jokes Karoline Leavitt Should Be VP For Few Weeks

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