Karoline Claire Leavitt is an American political communications professional who made history by becoming the youngest White House Press Secretary in United States history. She assumed the role on January 20, 2025, during the second administration of Donald Trump. Her rapid rise within Republican political circles has closely linked her career to prominent figures in contemporary U.S. politics.

Early Life and Background

Karoline Claire Leavitt was born on August 24, 1997, in Atkinson, New Hampshire. She studied communications and political science at Saint Anselm College, where she developed a focused interest in political messaging, public relations, and media strategy.

During her university years, Karoline Claire Leavitt gained early professional exposure through an internship at Fox News. The experience helped shape her understanding of national media dynamics and the relationship between political narratives, broadcast communication, and audience perception.

Career Beginnings in the Trump White House

After graduating in 2019, Karoline Claire Leavitt began her career in the White House during Donald Trump’s first presidency. Working within the administration’s communications apparatus, she served as a presidential speechwriter and later as an Assistant Press Secretary.

In these roles, Karoline Claire Leavitt gained firsthand experience in high-pressure national political communication, including message discipline, rapid response, and coordinating public-facing statements amid continuous news cycles.

Capitol Hill Role and Republican Leadership Networks

When the Trump administration concluded on January 20, 2021, Karoline Claire Leavitt transitioned to Capitol Hill politics. She became the communications director for Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a close Trump ally in Congress and his nominee for United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

This position further strengthened Karoline Claire Leavitt’s ties to influential Republican leadership and elevated her standing within party communications networks, expanding her experience from executive-branch messaging to congressional communications and national party strategy.

2022 Congressional Campaign

In 2022, Karoline Claire Leavitt entered electoral politics by running as the Republican candidate for New Hampshire’s 1st congressional district. She won the Republican primary but was defeated in the general election by Democratic incumbent Chris Pappas.

Despite the loss, Karoline Claire Leavitt’s campaign drew national attention and reinforced her reputation as a rising figure aligned with Trump-era Republicanism, combining a combative media posture with a strong emphasis on message clarity and political branding.

National Press Secretary for the 2024 Trump Campaign

Karoline Claire Leavitt’s close professional relationship with Donald Trump continued in the lead-up to the 2024 United States presidential election. She was appointed national press secretary for Trump’s campaign and became one of his most visible and outspoken media surrogates.

In that role, Karoline Claire Leavitt frequently appeared in national broadcasts and campaign-related press settings, defending Trump’s positions and engaging directly with both supporters and critics—work that further increased her public profile and positioned her as a prominent communications figure within the Republican Party.

White House Press Secretary and Historic Appointment

On January 20, 2025, Karoline Claire Leavitt returned to the White House as Press Secretary in the second Trump administration. At 27 years old, she became the youngest individual ever to hold the position, surpassing previous records and securing a place in U.S. political history.

Her appointment was widely viewed as both a symbol of generational change and an affirmation of continuity within Trump’s inner political circle, reflecting the centrality of communications strategy in modern U.S. governance and campaigning.

Personal Life

In her personal life, Karoline Claire Leavitt became engaged in December 2023 to businessman Nicholas Riccio, who is 32 years her senior. The couple married in January 2025.

Karoline Claire Leavitt is also the mother of a son, Nicholas Robert Riccio, born in 2024.

Source: Biyografiler.com