Karoline Leavitt, born on August 24, 1997, in Atkinson, New Hampshire, is an American political aide currently serving as the 36th White House Press Secretary under President Donald Trump, making her the youngest individual to hold this position.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Atkinson, New Hampshire, Leavitt’s family owned a local ice cream shop and a used truck dealership in Plaistow. She graduated from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, in 2015. Leavitt earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and politics from Saint Anselm College in 2019, where she was the first in her immediate family to graduate from college.
Career
During the first Trump administration, Leavitt served as a presidential writer and assistant press secretary. In 2022, she ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Hampshire’s 1st district, securing the Republican nomination but losing the general election to incumbent Chris Pappas. She later worked as a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump Super PAC, and served as the national press secretary for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
On January 20, 2025, Leavitt was appointed White House Press Secretary. In her inaugural briefing, she expressed a commitment to engaging with a diverse array of media, including traditional outlets and newer platforms like podcasts and social media influencers.
Personal Life
Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer 32 years her senior. They married in a private ceremony and have one son, born on July 10, 2024. She is a practicing Catholic and attributes her faith with instilling values that have guided her personal and professional life.