JD Vance joked about Karoline Leavitt taking on the role of acting Vice President when he goes on paternity leave. He started his Tuesday White House briefing with this joke, which not only made everyone in the room laugh but also reached Leavitt. Vance said during the May 19 briefing, “I’m going to give a shout out, of course, to the person I am replacing today, Karoline Leavitt, who hopefully is at home enjoying some time with her beautiful kids.
He added, “I told Karoline I would stand in for her today for the White House press briefing on the condition that when Usha has our baby in July, that she would be Vice President for a couple of weeks.”
America’s Vice President JD Vance is getting attention after making a humorous statement about Karoline Leavitt.
JD Vance jokingly claimed that he told Karoline Leavitt he would serve as press secretary for just one day, but only on one special condition.
He said that if his… pic.twitter.com/iEwogSRUsD
— The MES Times (@themestimes) May 20, 2026
Netizens praised Vance’s humor, as one X user commented, “His wit is his superpower.” Another one added, “I like his sense of humor; at least he has one. Unlike so many other politicians.”
Trump communications advisor Margo Martin re-shared the clip on her Instagram story and tagged Leavitt in that. In response, the press secretary shared the post to her Instagram stories along with her photo with her baby. This was her way of appreciating the joke and maybe predicting she might take on the proposed role.
She gave birth to her daughter, Viviana, on May 1 and went on maternity leave. As a new mom of two, she has been spending her time with her family. She even posted a sweet tribute on Mother’s Day, saying it was her first with two babies and thanking her mom.
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As for her professional duties, Vance and Marco Rubio have been sharing that responsibility. Soon, Vance may also have to take a break from VP duties to welcome his fourth child. He and his wife, Usha Vance, announced they were expecting their fourth child back in January.
The baby boy is due in July and will be joining his siblings, Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. They shared the news with excitement and also thanked the military doctors for taking care of them amid the hectic schedule.
Usha revealed how different this pregnancy has been compared to the other three, as she’s currently the second lady and has official duties. With the due date approaching, she’ll have to take a break from official duties, while JD Vance may also rely on other cabinet members during his paternity leave.
Leavitt wasn’t replaced with a particular person, but Vance and Rubio have been taking turns addressing the press while she continues to spend time with the new addition to her family. After she reacted to Vance’s joke, she also thanked him and Rubio on her Insta story.
