White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has stirred up a longstanding cultural debate about the role of women in society, particularly among conservatives. Her recent statements have sparked discussions on balancing professional and family life.
Leavitt took the stage alongside Erika Kirk, CEO of the conservative activist group Turning Point USA, during their This Is The Turning Point Tour. She shared her personal journey of juggling motherhood with a demanding, high-profile career, offering insights to an audience of over 1,000 attendees.
“You can and you should do both,” Leavitt asserted, emphasizing that the dual roles of having a family and a career provide a broader perspective on life. Her remarks were aimed at encouraging women to pursue both family and professional aspirations without feeling they must choose one over the other.
However, her message did not resonate with everyone. Some within her own conservative base, including ardent supporters of the MAGA movement, expressed discomfort with her views on balancing work and home life.
Among the critics was conservative commentator Kira Davis, who voiced her concerns on social media platform X. “I’m shocked this is a message TPUSA thinks is healthy for young women,” Davis remarked, criticizing the notion that balancing both roles is inherently superior to being a stay-at-home mom. “Pretending it’s BETTER than being a mom who stays home is actually disturbing,” she added, highlighting the diverse perspectives within conservative circles on this issue.
‘Have both of you want – pretending it’s BETTER than being a mom who stays home is actually disturbing,’ Davis noted.
‘Don’t like this. Sorry KL. Love ya but this ain’t it,’ Davis concluded.
Priest and conservative commentator Calvin Robinson also slammed the message, noting that ‘this is not conservatism, this is feminism.’
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a Turning Point USA stop in the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University on April 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC
Karoline Leavitt at her baby shower for her second child in March of 2026
C.E.O. and Chair of the Board of Turning Point USA Erika Kirk speaks with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a Turning Point USA stop in the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University on April 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC. The conservative youth organization kicked off their Spring tour, which will visit multiple cities
Leavitt with son Nico and her husband during the White House Halloween celebration in 2025
Leavitt, 28, shares her toddler son Nico with her husband Nicholas, and the pair are preparing to welcome their second child, a daughter, in the coming weeks.
While in the past she has been heralded by some conservatives as the prime example of a working mom, Leavitt was also ridiculed by critics for not giving herself proper time after the birth of her son, Nicholas ‘Niko’ Robert Riccio, before returning to her demanding job.
She was back to work as a top Trump spokesperson mere days after giving birth on July 10, 2024. The quick return was prompted by the assassination attempt on then-candidate Trump at his Butler, Pennsylvania, rally on July 13, 2024.
Leavitt, who is expecting her second child in May, insists that she plans to take more time to recover this time before coming back to the briefing room podium.
The Trump spokesperson appeared with Erika Kirk at George Washington University in Washington, DC on Thursday, and covered a wide range of topics, including career advice and motherhood, dishing to an audience of over 1,000.
Earlier in the speech, Leavitt heralded Charlie Kirk as a key mentor during her political rise, including his support of her congressional campaign in New Hampshire in 2022.
‘When I launched my congressional campaign, Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA were the only organization in the political world that supported me,’ Leavitt noted, sharing that the entire Washington, DC ‘establishment’ backed her opponent, but sharing that she thinks ‘Charlie loved’ that she ‘was a young person who was stepping up to the plate.’
Charlie and Erika Kirk with their children before the TPUSA founder’s murder last fall
C.E.O. and Chair of the Board of Turning Point USA Erika Kirk (R) and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (L) walk onstage before having a conversation as part of a Turning Point USA stop in the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University on April 2nd, 2026 in Washington, DC
Erika Kirk kicked off the discussion by noting that Leavitt barely looked pregnant, despite officially marking her ninth month of pregnancy on Thursday.
Over nearly two hours, Leavitt and Erika discussed faith, family, and balancing a demanding career with growing family life, while sharing a few behind-the-scenes details of White House life.
Leavitt shared that her office gets between 200 and 300 press inquiries on a typical day, which are answered by her and a team of dedicated deputies.
The Trump spokesperson also shared that on Tuesday mornings, at 7:45 in the AM, in the Roosevelt Room, several White House staff participate in Bible study, now attended only by female staffers. However, Leavitt said her male colleagues are welcome too.
Later in the speech, Leavitt also revealed that her favorite Bible verse is from the Book of Psalms, 46:5, ‘God is within her. She will not fall.’
‘Faith gives you such perspective that even the worst story or the worst news cycle is just a moment,’ Leavitt remarked when asked by Erika how she gets through the 24-hour news cycle every day.
To young women, Leavitt’s advice was that they can do both, be mothers and have a career.
And the number one recommendation she dished out for success was simple.
‘I’m going to give you a piece of advice that is not novel. You’ve definitely heard it before. It’s very simplistic. Work hard,’ Leavitt told the crowd.
