Karoline Leavitt Attends Terrifying White House Correspondents' Dinner One Day After Announcing Maternity Leave
It seems like history is repeating itself-at least for Karoline Leavitt. The Press Secretary gave birth to her first child, Niko, just days before the first assassination attempt on Donald Trump's life. And now, just one day after announcing her maternity leave, nine-months-pregnant Leavitt is back at work (sort of) following a third attempt.
While she's not standing in front of a press corps, Leavitt did recently make a statement on social media about the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Following a chaotic evening where shots were fired and a suspect, Cole Tomas Allen (31), was subdued and arrested, Leavitt posted photos of the event on Instagram.
Along with a red-carpet pic with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, she also included images of herself standing with Donald and Melania Trump, smiling and speaking with the First Lady, watching the aftermath on a television screen with the President, in what appears to be a meeting of senior officials, and standing near the podium as Trump speaks about the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting.
What did the soon-to-be mom of two have to say about the terrifying events of the evening? Leavitt explains, on Instagram, "What was supposed to be a fun night with President Trump delivering jokes and celebrating free speech was hijacked by a depraved anti-Trump lunatic who sought to assassinate the President and kill as many top Trump administration officials as possible."
She continues, "I was with the President and the First Lady back stage after we were quickly ushered to safety by Secret Service." Leavitt went on to praise the President and thank the law enforcement officers, adding, "This political violence needs to end."
Leavitt has drawn criticism for what is now an infamously omniscient quote from a pre-event interview with Fox News. "This speech tonight will be classic Donald J. Trump. It'll be funny, it'll be entertaining. There will be some shots fired tonight in the room." Of course, Leavitt wasn't talking about literal shots at the time. But as the events unfolded, the soundbite went viral, turning into an almost eerie prediction.
As it turns out, her Fox News interview wouldn't be the only statement to make waves. Comments on Leavitt's recent Instagram post were mixed. While some fans of the press secretary sent their well wishes, writing, "So glad you are all safe" and, "Can't even imagine doing that while pregnant. Please be careful," others had a very different view.
One commenter wrote, "The violence must end, and this administration must end the division it has caused in this country and around the world," and another took a somewhat softer approach, posting, "This administration caused the division, but that doesn't mean trying to harm the president and his people is the answer."
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 5:51 PM.