Donald Trump's White House has confirmed that press secretary Karoline Leavitt will step back from her role in Washington next week when she gives birth to her first child, but no single replacement has been named to front briefings in her absence.
After a curious few days for Leavitt, 28, who only this week told reporters she was 'not part of the president's political team anymore' when pressed about Trump's stance on a Virginia redistricting referendum. Her unexpected answer, and the timing of her maternity leave announcement, have fuelled speculation in Washington about her standing with the president and whether she will return to the podium in the same role.
