Overview
- Leavitt, who told reporters Friday she could go into labor “any minute,” held a final gaggle before stepping away next week.
- The White House confirmed it will not name a formal stand-in and may have Vice President JD Vance, Cabinet members or President Trump lead briefings.
- Communications director Steven Cheung will run the press office during her absence with Leavitt’s existing team.
- Officials have not said how long her leave will last, and Leavitt said she plans to return to the podium.
- Her lighthearted line that reporters “have the president’s phone number” pointed to Trump’s habit of speaking directly with journalists.