From New Hampshire Roots to the White House

Karoline Leavitt’s story begins in Atkinson, New Hampshire, where she cultivated a strong work ethic early on, spending her summers scooping ice cream for her parents’ business. This grounding in hard work and community values would become a defining characteristic of her career. She attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where her Catholic upbringing instilled in her a sense of discipline and a commitment to public service, as she shared in an interview on The Catholic Current podcast.

Academic and Athletic Pursuits

Leavitt continued her education at Saint Anselm College, earning a degree in politics and communication in 2019. A talented athlete, she received a softball scholarship and played as an outfielder for the Saint Anselm Hawks. Beyond athletics, she actively engaged in campus life, founding the Saint Anselm Broadcasting Club, volunteering at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, and contributing to The Saint Anselm Crier, where she penned articles defending then-President Trump’s policies and critiquing media narratives. A semester abroad at John Cabot University in Rome broadened her perspective and further fueled her passion for political discourse. In 2018, she secured a coveted internship in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence, marking her first foray into the highest levels of government.

A Rising Star in Republican Politics

Following her graduation, Leavitt quickly ascended the ranks of Republican communications. She served as an assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany from 2019 to 2021, gaining invaluable experience in navigating the complexities of the White House press corps. When President Trump left office, she transitioned to a role as Director of Communications for Representative Elise Stefanik, a prominent voice within the Republican Party.

A Campaign Trail and a Return to Public Service

In 2022, Leavitt herself entered the political arena, running for Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st congressional district. While she ultimately lost the election to incumbent Chris Pappas, the campaign provided her with crucial experience in fundraising, grassroots organizing, and public speaking. She then joined Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign as National Press Secretary, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and a willingness to defend the former president’s policies. Notably, Leavitt continued to fulfill her campaign duties while pregnant, returning to work just four days after giving birth to her son, Niko, a testament to her dedication and resilience. She even established a home TV studio to maintain a consistent media presence.

A Personal Life Under the Spotlight

Leavitt’s personal life has also drawn public attention, particularly her relationship with husband Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer 32 years her senior. The couple, who met during her 2022 congressional run, married in January 2025, just days before President Trump’s second inauguration. Leavitt has openly discussed their “atypical love story” in interviews, emphasizing Riccio’s unwavering support and his role as a devoted father. The couple is now expecting their second child, a daughter, in May, making Leavitt the first pregnant White House press secretary in history. What challenges and opportunities will this present as she navigates the demands of her high-profile position?

Shaping the Narrative: Leavitt’s Approach to the Press Briefing

As White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt has already begun to put her stamp on the role. She has notably introduced a “new media seat” in the briefing room, specifically reserved for podcasters, social media influencers, and independent content creators, acknowledging the evolving media landscape and the growing influence of digital platforms. This move signals a willingness to engage with a broader range of voices and challenge traditional media norms. How will this shift in approach impact the flow of information and the public’s perception of the administration?

Frequently Asked Questions About Karoline Leavitt