Discover the life of Karoline Leavitt — the youngest White House Press Secretary. Explore her age, education, husband, early life, political career and how she rose to national prominence.
Karoline Leavitt is an American political spokesperson and the 36th White House Press Secretary, appointed in 2025. At only 27 years old, she made history as the youngest person ever to hold that post. Leavitt’s journey—from small-town New Hampshire to the podium of the White House briefing room—is a story of ambition, conviction, and rapid rise in U.S. politics.
Her background, education, early political involvement, and high-profile career make her a compelling figure in modern American governance and media relations. This biography covers her early life, education, career trajectory, personal life, and why her story resonates today.
Highlights of Karoline Leavitt Biography
- Full Name: Karoline Claire Leavitt
- Date of Birth: August 24, 1997
- Age: 28 years (as of 2025)
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Political Spokesperson, White House Press Secretary
- Education: B.A. in Politics and Communication, Saint Anselm College (2019)
- Husband: Nicholas Riccio (married January 2025)
- Children: Son – Nicholas Robert “Niko” Riccio (born July 2024)
- Known For: Youngest White House Press Secretary; previous roles in Trump campaign and congressional communications
Early Life and Background
Karoline Leavitt was born on August 24, 1997, in Atkinson, New Hampshire, the youngest of four children in a middle-class family with business roots in their local community. She spent her childhood in a setting grounded in faith, family values and entrepreneurial work. Her upbringing instilled in her a sense of discipline, service and ambition.
Growing up, she attended Central Catholic High School (in Lawrence, Massachusetts), where she played softball and developed early interests in communication and civic engagement. Her faith and values shaped her worldview and later influenced her political alignment and public service orientation.
Education
After high school, Karoline enrolled at Saint Anselm College on a softball scholarship. She studied Politics and Communication, graduating in 2019 — the first in her immediate family to complete a college degree. At college, she was actively involved in campus media and communications: she wrote for the campus newspaper, helped found the broadcasting club, and participated in local media internships.
Her time at college coincided with the 2016 U.S. presidential election, during which she became increasingly interested in politics and media. Those formative years shaped her ambition to work at the intersection of communications, politics, and public service.
Early Political & Communications Career
After graduating, Leavitt entered the political communications world. She began working in the correspondence office of the White House — writing letters on behalf of the president. Over time, she moved up to become associate director in that office and in 2020 became an assistant press secretary under the prior administration.
Following the change in administration in 2021, Leavitt transitioned to congressional communications and served as Communications Director for Representative Elise Stefanik. This period broadened her political network and gave her insight into legislative communications and messaging at the national level.
2022 Congressional Run
In 2022, at age 25, Leavitt ran for a U.S. House seat representing New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District. Her campaign emphasized conservative policies, strong national security, border control, and support for free-market principles. She won the Republican primary but lost in the general election to the Democratic incumbent.
The campaign, while unsuccessful in terms of election outcome, raised her national profile and consolidated her reputation within conservative circles — a foundation that would later contribute to her White House appointment.
Rise to National Spotlight & White House Press Secretary Role
After working as a communications director and later serving as national press secretary for a major presidential campaign, Karoline was appointed White House Press Secretary on January 20, 2025. At 27, she became the youngest person ever to hold the post, and the first in decades under age 30.
Her first official press briefing took place on January 28, 2025, where she began her tenure with a promise to engage not only traditional media but also newer media platforms including podcasters, social-media influencers, and bloggers. The move was seen as a bid to modernize communication strategy and reach a broader, more digitally engaged audience.
Personal Life
Karoline Leavitt married real-estate developer Nicholas Riccio in January 2025. The couple welcomed their son, Nicholas Robert “Niko” Riccio, in July 2024. Her decision to return to work days after becoming a mother drew attention — she described her commitment to public service as a driving factor in balancing family and job demands.
The wide age gap between Leavitt and her husband (about 32 years) attracted public scrutiny. Nonetheless, Leavitt has described their relationship as a supportive partnership, calling Riccio “my rock” and crediting him with being deeply supportive of her professional ambitions.
Public Perception & Influence
Karoline Leavitt is viewed by supporters as a young, energetic figure capable of bringing fresh communication approaches to one of the most demanding roles in government. Her background — a mix of grassroots upbringing, academic achievement, political internships and rapid career advancement — resonates with many younger Americans interested in public service.
However, her rise has not been without controversy. Critics have questioned her handling of media relations, her public statements, and her ability to balance personal life with the high-pressure demands of her office. The unconventional aspects of her personal life and rapid ascent have frequently featured in public discussion.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Karoline Leavitt’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $2 million. Her income comes from her work in political communications, her role as White House Press Secretary, previous campaign and congressional communications positions, and her family’s involvement in real estate. Her husband, Nicholas Riccio, is a long-established real estate developer, which also contributes to their household financial standing.
Conclusion
Karoline Leavitt’s biography is a compelling story of youth, ambition, faith, and rapid ascent in the corridors of power. From small-town New Hampshire to the White House podium, she defied age expectations and has secured a place in history as the youngest person to serve as Press Secretary. Her journey underscores themes of communication, political engagement, and generational change in American politics.
Whether seen as a trailblazer or a controversial figure, Leavitt’s influence and role in shaping White House communications and public perception are undeniable — and likely to matter for years to come.
FAQs About Karoline Leavitt
How old is Karoline Leavitt?
She was born on August 24, 1997, making her 28 years old in 2025.
Where did she study?
She graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2019 with a B.A. in Politics and Communication.
When did she become White House Press Secretary?
She assumed the role on January 20, 2025, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the position.
Who is her husband?
Her husband is Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer. They married in January 2025.
Does she have children?
Yes, she has a son named Nicholas Robert “Niko” Riccio, born July 2024.
What was her career before becoming Press Secretary?
She worked as a White House communications staffer and assistant press secretary, served as communications director for a U.S. Representative, and ran for Congress in 2022.
Why is she significant?
As the youngest White House Press Secretary in U.S. history, she represents a new generation of political communicators and symbolizes a shift toward younger leadership in major government roles.