Karoline Leavitt Faces Backlash Over White House Photo Featuring Infant Son
Public opinion can be fickle—what wins praise one day might draw criticism the next. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is finding that out firsthand.
Leavitt recently brought her nine-month-old son, Nicholas Robert Riccio, to the White House, where a seemingly heartfelt moment quickly turned into controversy. A photo of Leavitt multitasking—feeding her baby while working at her desk—was shared on social media, sparking a heated debate.
The image, captured and posted by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor, was originally meant to highlight Leavitt’s dedication as both a professional and a mother. Shared on X (formerly Twitter), the post praised her, calling her a “Super Mom” and read:
“Walked in to @PressSec typing with one hand, and feeding her son with the other.”
While some celebrated the candid moment as a testament to working moms everywhere, others accused Leavitt of using her son as a political prop, igniting a wave of online criticism.
What was intended as a touching Mother’s Day tribute has now become a lightning rod for controversy—highlighting just how quickly the tide of public opinion can turn.
Despite the recent backlash, Karoline Leavitt has been open about the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood with a high-profile political role. Not long ago, she spoke candidly about how becoming a mother has transformed her perspective—and how, despite the demands of working for former President Donald Trump, being a mom remains her greatest joy.
“I’m very blessed to have this job, and I love my job as press secretary,” Leavitt shared. “But my favorite job of all, and my top priority, is my job of being a mother. I’ve learned quickly how to prioritize my time.”
Leavitt also acknowledged the “village” that helps her manage both responsibilities. She credits her mother, Erin; her father, Bob; and her husband, Nicholas, as essential pillars of support in raising her son, affectionately known as Niko.
While she admitted that juggling both worlds isn’t easy, her message to other women was clear and empowering:
“You can do it. Lean on your support system and prioritize your number one job, which is to be the best mom you can be.”
The photo, however, didn’t land well with everyone. While some praised Karoline Leavitt’s dedication, others took to social media to criticize what they saw as a staged moment designed for political optics.
Critics accused the White House Press Secretary of using her infant son as a prop, rather than simply showcasing the realities of being a working mother. One user on X expressed frustration, writing:
“A bunch of federal workers had to go back to the office full-time because they were accused of stuff like this. It’s cool if they do it though. No worries. Elites kinda just get to do what they want.”
The post added fuel to an already heated debate about privilege, workplace expectations, and how motherhood is perceived differently depending on who’s in the spotlight.