Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karoline Claire Leavitt |
| Age | 28 years old (as of 2026) |
| Date of Birth | August 24, 1997 |
| Height | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
| Weight | Not publicly available |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Political Aide, Government Official, White House Press Secretary |
| Estimated Net Worth | $6–7 million |
Introduction
At just 28 years old, Karoline Leavitt has already carved her name into the history books. She is the youngest White House press secretary in American history, serving as the 36th press secretary under the second Trump administration. Her meteoric rise from a small-town New Hampshire upbringing to the pinnacle of American political communication is a story of ambition, resilience, and unwavering conviction.
Karoline Leavitt has become one of the most recognizable faces in American politics, commanding the briefing room podium with a presence that belies her years. Whether you agree with her politics or not, her trajectory—from college intern to the highest-profile communications role in the nation—is nothing short of remarkable. This biography explores the life, career, and impact of Karoline Leavitt, the young woman who became the voice of a presidency.
Early Life and Family Background
Karoline Claire Leavitt was born on August 24, 1997, in Atkinson, New Hampshire. She was the third and youngest child of Bob and Erin Leavitt. Her family embodied the quintessential American small-business spirit: they owned Leavitt’s Ice Cream, a seasonal ice cream stand in Atkinson, while her father ran a used truck dealership in Plaistow.
Growing up in a “middle class, blue collar, small business” household, Karoline Leavitt learned the values of hard work and discipline from an early age. In 2011, at just 14 years old, she joined the family business at Leavitt’s Ice Cream. Her mother, Erin, worked as a yoga teacher, while her two older brothers, Joe and Michael, remained closely involved in the family enterprises.
Karoline Leavitt attended Central Catholic High School, a private Catholic school in Lawrence, Massachusetts. There, she excelled in softball, earning Eagle-Tribune All-Star honors in both 2014 and 2015. She has credited her Roman Catholic education as formative to her spirituality and values, instilling in her faith, family, discipline, and a commitment to public service.
Education
In 2015, Karoline Leavitt began attending Saint Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire, on a softball scholarship. She majored in communications and minored in political science. During her sophomore year, she became involved with the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, serving as an ambassador and interning for a United States senator and the television station WMUR.
Karoline Leavitt’s college years were marked by ambitious pursuits. She founded Saint Anselm’s broadcasting club and wrote for the student newspaper, the Saint Anselm Crier. She later described herself as the “token conservative” on campus, and her writings reflected a distinctly conservative viewpoint. In a 2016 opinion piece, she wrote that the media was “frankly crooked” and “unjust, unfair, and sometimes just plain old false”.
She also spent a semester studying at John Cabot University in Rome. In 2019, Karoline Leavitt graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science, becoming the first person in her immediate family to earn a college degree.
Complete Career Journey
Early Career Steps
Karoline Leavitt’s career in political communications began during her college years. She interned with NBC Sports Boston before shifting her focus toward political journalism. She applied for an internship at Fox News but instead interned as a writer for the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence, writing letters and notes on behalf of the president.
After graduating, Karoline Leavitt worked as a news assistant at Fox News. She then joined the first Trump administration as a member of then-press secretary Kayleigh McEnany’s team, gaining invaluable experience at the highest levels of government communications.
Congressional Run
In 2022, at just 25 years old, Karoline Leavitt took a bold step: she ran for Congress. She won the Republican primary for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, making her one of the youngest congressional nominees in the country. Although she lost the general election to incumbent Chris Pappas, the campaign raised her profile significantly and demonstrated her political ambition.
Rise in the Trump Administration
Following her congressional run, Karoline Leavitt became communications director for Republican Representative Elise Stefanik of New York. She then joined Donald Trump’s third presidential campaign team, serving as his national press secretary.
On January 20, 2025, Karoline Leavitt made history by becoming the 36th White House press secretary. At 27, she was the youngest person ever to hold this prestigious position. President Trump praised her as “smart, tough and highly effective”.
Media Appearances
Karoline Leavitt has appeared on numerous television programs as herself, including The Chris Salcedo Show, The Tucker Carlson Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and The Donald Trump Show. Her briefings and interviews have made her a familiar face to millions of Americans.
Personal Life, Lifestyle, and Family
Marriage and Children
Karoline Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, a 60-year-old real estate developer from New Hampshire who owns Riccio Enterprises. The couple has a 32-year age gap. They met during Karoline Leavitt’s 2022 congressional campaign when a mutual friend hosted an event at one of Riccio’s restaurants.
Karoline Leavitt has described their relationship as a “very atypical love story” but emphasized that Riccio is her “greatest supporter,” “best friend,” and “rock”. She has admitted that telling her parents about the age gap was a “challenging conversation,” but they came to accept him after seeing his character and how much he adores her. They got engaged in December 2023 and married in January 2025.
Their first child, a son named Nicholas Robert Riccio (nicknamed Niko), was born on July 10, 2024. Karoline Leavitt famously took just a four-day maternity leave, returning to the campaign trail the day after an assassination attempt on then-candidate Trump. In December 2025, the couple announced they were expecting their second child, a baby girl due in May 2026.
Family Background
Karoline Leavitt’s parents, Erin (55) and Bob (65), remain actively involved in the family businesses. Her brother Joe is an amateur golfer who won a state championship in New Hampshire, while her brother Michael works at the family’s used car dealership.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Karoline Leavitt’s estimated net worth is between $6 million and $7 million. Her wealth comes from multiple sources:
White House Salary: As press secretary, she earns approximately $180,000 per year
Estimated Annual Income: Some reports suggest her total annual income may be around $1.5 million when including media opportunities and other ventures
Real Estate Investments: Together with her husband, she has invested in real estate
Husband’s Wealth: Nicholas Riccio has an estimated net worth of $6 million from his real estate portfolio
The couple resides in a craftsman colonial home near Washington, D.C..
Physical Appearance
Karoline Leavitt stands approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall. Her eye color is described as newborn gray, and her hair is extra light beige blonde. Her weight and other body measurements are not publicly available.
Interesting Facts About Karoline Leavitt
Youngest Press Secretary in History: At 27, she became the youngest White House press secretary ever
First in Her Family to Graduate College: She was the first person in her immediate family to earn a college degree
Former Softball Star: She was named an Eagle-Tribune All-Star in 2014 and 2015
Ice Cream Roots: She worked at her family’s ice cream stand, Leavitt’s Ice Cream
Studied Abroad in Rome: She spent a semester at John Cabot University in Italy
Founded a Broadcasting Club: She started Saint Anselm’s broadcasting club during college
Four-Day Maternity Leave: She returned to work just four days after giving birth
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Religion: Roman Catholic
32-Year Age Gap: She and her husband have a 32-year age difference
Ran for Congress at 25: She won a primary for a New Hampshire congressional seat at age 25
Previously Worked at Fox News: She was a news assistant at Fox News early in her career
Conclusion
Karoline Leavitt’s journey from a small-town New Hampshire ice cream stand to the White House briefing room is a testament to ambition, determination, and political savvy. At just 28 years old, she has already achieved what few in her profession ever will—becoming the public face of a presidential administration.
Her story resonates beyond party lines. It speaks to the power of a strong work ethic, the importance of education, and the courage to pursue big dreams at a young age. As Karoline Leavitt continues to navigate one of the most demanding roles in American government, all eyes remain on her. Whether she remains in politics, transitions to media, or pursues other ventures, one thing is certain: Karoline Leavitt is a rising star whose impact on American political life is only beginning.
With a growing family and a historic career already under her belt, the future holds limitless possibilities for this young woman who refuses to be defined by her age—and instead lets her achievements speak for themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How old is Karoline Leavitt?
Karoline Leavitt was born on August 24, 1997, making her 28 years old as of 2026.
What is Karoline Leavitt’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $6 million and $7 million.
What is Karoline Leavitt famous for?
She is famous for being the youngest White House press secretary in American history, serving under the second Trump administration.
Who is Karoline Leavitt married to?
She is married to Nicholas Riccio, a 60-year-old real estate developer from New Hampshire.
Does Karoline Leavitt have children?
Yes, she has a son named Nicholas Robert Riccio (Niko) born on July 10, 2024. She announced in December 2025 that she is expecting a second child.
Where was Karoline Leavitt born?
She was born in Atkinson, New Hampshire, USA.
What is Karoline Leavitt’s height?
She is 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall.
What is Karoline Leavitt’s educational background?
She graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science.
What was Karoline Leavitt’s career before becoming press secretary?
She worked as a news assistant at Fox News, as a member of Kayleigh McEnany’s press team, as communications director for Representative Elise Stefanik, and ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022.
