Breaking into Politics
Leavitt’s first taste of Washington came in 2018, when she landed an internship at the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence. Her dedication was evident—she skipped football games and social events to focus on writing a standout application. After a semester studying abroad in Rome at John Cabot University, she returned to the U.S. and became the first in her family to earn an undergraduate degree.
Between 2019 and 2021, Leavitt worked as assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany, preparing briefings and gaining firsthand experience in the high-pressure world of White House communications. After the 2020 election, she became Director of Communications for Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik and even ran for Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st District, winning the Republican primary before narrowly losing the general election.
A Historic Appointment
In 2024, after working as press secretary for Donald Trump’s campaign, Karoline Leavitt achieved an unprecedented milestone: she was named White House Press Secretary at just 27 years old, surpassing Ronald Ziegler’s record from the Nixon administration. Trump praised her as “smart, tough, and a highly effective communicator,” confident she could convey his message to the American people with precision and authority.
Family Life and Motherhood
Behind the public image, Karoline maintains a private family life. In 2022, she met her husband, Nicholas Riccio, who is 32 years her senior. The couple announced their engagement in December 2023 and welcomed their first son, Niko, in July 2024. They married on January 4, 2025, just days before Trump’s inauguration. Leavitt often describes their relationship as “a very atypical love story,” praising Riccio’s support, especially as she navigates a demanding career while embracing motherhood.
Even amid the chaos of the White House, Leavitt prioritizes family time. “I spend every second I can with my son when I’m home,” she shared, acknowledging the challenges working mothers face and the guilt that often comes with balancing career and family. The couple is now preparing for their second child, a daughter expected in May 2026.
Balancing Career and Personal Life
Leavitt credits her husband’s support and her early upbringing for her ability to juggle one of the most demanding roles in U.S. politics with family responsibilities. Her story is a testament to focus, resilience, and the power of dedication from a young age—proof that ambition and personal fulfillment can coexist, even in the spotlight of global politics.
Karoline Leavitt’s rise from small-town New Hampshire to White House Press Secretary shows that hard work, faith, and perseverance can defy expectations. Her story is an inspiration for anyone balancing professional ambition with family life.