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The press secretary for President Donald Trump, who was also mocked on Saturday Night Live this weekend, seemed to let her guard down as she documented her time in Palm Beach. What started as a light, breezy collection of beach clips slowly shifted into something more emotional, leaving many wondering how she’s coping under her demanding role.
Her weekend began with serene snapshots, videos of the ocean, scenic drives along the shoreline, and moments that felt like an escape from Washington’s constant scrutiny. “The ocean is my happy place,” she wrote over one of the clips, hinting that the calm water offered a rare pocket of peace. She also shared a photo of her breakfast at the Four Seasons Hotel in Palm Beach, a place where rooms can cost up to $2,781 a night, writing, “Favorite breakfast spot with my hubs,” alongside a shot of granola, fruit, bacon, and an egg bagel. The post referred to her husband, Nicholas Riccio, who is 32 years her senior. It came shortly after she was accused online of “airbrushing” him in a recent set of images, as per a report by The Mirror US.
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What triggered her emotional weekend posts?
But the tone of her stories changed later in the day. Leavitt shared a picture of an open Bible, pointing to the verse, “For when I am weak, then I am strong,” which she had underlined. The passage appears within chapter 11 of 1 Corinthians and reflects the institution of the Lord’s Supper, describing how Jesus broke bread and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
The choice of verse, along with her highlighting of it, added a personal weight to the moment. Fans quickly picked up on the emotional shift, as per a report by The Mirror US.
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Not long after that, she posted another quote that read, “What a privilege it is to have your bed taken up by a small human who thinks it’s the safest place in the world to be,” and simply wrote “crying” on top of it. The post referenced her son, Niko, whom she and her husband welcomed on July 10, 2024. When she announced his birth, she called it “the best moment of my life,” and her emotional reaction to the motherhood quote showed just how connected she is to that part of her identity, as per a report by The Mirror US.
Is constant public pressure taking a toll?
Leavitt’s posts landed just weeks after Christine Schneider, a Clinical Psychologist at Cambridge Therapy Centre, gave insight into what the young press secretary might be dealing with behind the scenes. Schneider described the role plainly: “Working as a Press Secretary means living under constant pressure. Every word, every facial expression, and every pause is dissected by the media and the public.”
She continued, “That level of exposure can be incredibly demanding mentally.” The psychologist explained that someone in Leavitt’s position is likely juggling chronic stress, anxiety about public performance, and the exhaustion that comes with a nonstop schedule, as per a report by The Mirror US.
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“Someone in Karoline Leavitt’s position likely faces chronic stress, anxiety around public performance, and exhaustion from the nonstop pace of her role,” Schneider warned. “There’s often a need to stay composed no matter what’s happening behind the scenes, and that emotional control, while impressive, can come at a cost.”
What do experts say about burnout risks in her role?
Schneider also highlighted the concept of emotional labor, the psychological effort required to maintain a polished, professional image even when feeling overwhelmed. She explained that over time, this can lead to irritability, burnout, and difficulty disconnecting from work.
“It’s hard to know exactly how Leavitt herself is coping without direct insight,” she added, “but anyone in a job that involves constant scrutiny and public responsibility is vulnerable to mental strain.” She noted that signs like appearing detached, overly rehearsed, or defensive can sometimes indicate someone struggling to stay grounded, as per a report by The Mirror US.
Schneider also shared that therapy could be “hugely beneficial,” offering a confidential space to process pressure, explore boundaries, and manage the perfectionism common in political roles. “Therapy can help with building sustainability in a career that rarely allows space to breathe, rather than just fix a problem,” she said.
FAQs
Why did Karoline Leavitt’s posts spark concern?
She shared emotional quotes and a Bible verse, appearing overwhelmed after discussing life under constant pressure.
What did experts say about her workload?
A clinical psychologist warned that her nonstop, high-visibility job makes her vulnerable to stress and burnout.