White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has never been one to shy away from tough decisions — but her latest parenting move has sparked whispers inside D.C. and beyond. Sources close to Leavitt reveal that the 26-year-old political firebrand recently adopted a puppy, hoping the four-legged friend would help entertain her 8-month-old son during her long hours away at the West Wing.

But critics are already calling the decision irresponsible, even dangerous.

“She means well,” one insider said. “But babies this young have developing immune systems. Bringing a dog into that environment — especially when she’s barely home to supervise — is a gamble with her child’s health.”

Leavitt, however, appears unfazed. In a candid conversation with a close confidante that quickly made its way to Washington gossip circles, the former TV journalist turned press secretary reportedly said: “I don’t have the luxury of staying home and doing tummy time for hours. My son needs stimulation and companionship — and I can’t be there all the time. The puppy makes him smile. That’s enough for me right now.”

Those words, while heartfelt, have only added fuel to the fire. Social media lit up with reactions ranging from empathy to outrage. “She’s choosing convenience over common sense,” one critic posted on X, formerly Twitter. “There are safer ways to stimulate an infant than tossing a dog into the mix.”

Others were more forgiving. “She’s a working mom under unimaginable pressure. Let’s cut her some slack,” another user wrote. “At least she’s trying to give her baby some happiness, even if she can’t be there 24/7.”

This isn’t the first time Leavitt’s approach to motherhood has raised eyebrows. Since giving birth last summer, she has returned to work full-time, juggling the demands of one of the most high-pressure communications roles in the country. Unlike many of her predecessors, Leavitt has rarely taken maternity leave or been spotted with her child at family-friendly White House events.

“She’s constantly on call,” a staffer noted. “Crisis communications, press briefings, early morning prep calls — it never ends. Her schedule doesn’t allow for traditional parenting. It’s sad, but it’s the reality of the job.”

According to sources familiar with the situation, Leavitt made the decision to adopt the puppy after several nights of her son crying inconsolably. With her partner often traveling and her mother unable to relocate to D.C., the young press secretary felt she was out of options.

“She saw the puppy as a solution,” the source explained. “Something soft, warm, alive — to keep her baby company when she couldn’t.”

Medical experts, however, caution that while pets can be wonderful companions, they’re no substitute for parental presence — especially at such a critical stage in development.

“Puppies can provide emotional stimulation,” pediatrician Dr. Fiona Marks said. “But they also introduce allergens, potential bites or scratches, and bacteria. Infants under one year need human bonding above all else. No dog, no matter how sweet, can replace that.”

Yet Leavitt seems determined to stand by her choice. She has reportedly told colleagues that while she knows it’s not ideal, she’s doing her best in a world that expects women to “do it all and be everything, all the time.”

“She’s proud, but also exhausted,” said one friend. “She’s navigating guilt, ambition, love, and pressure — all under the spotlight. And yes, she’s making unconventional choices. But can you blame her?”

In the meantime, the puppy — named Liberty, according to a neighbor — has already become a fixture in the Leavitt household. It has been spotted frolicking in the yard and yapping during evening Zoom calls. Whether the move proves to be a short-term solution or sparks a longer-term controversy remains to be seen.

What’s clear is this: Karoline Leavitt isn’t living the typical mom life. She’s parenting in the fast lane — with a baby in one arm, a barking dog at her feet, and the weight of White House messaging on her shoulders.

And in today’s America, where every decision made by a woman in power becomes public property, even a puppy can cause a political firestorm.