At just 27 years old, Karoline Leavitt has stepped into one of the most high-pressure roles in American politics—White House press secretary. In an administration known for its fiery media exchanges, she will be the face of the Trump presidency, answering tough questions and shaping the public narrative.
Discover our latest podcast
With a background in communications, a controversial personal life, and a reputation for being fiercely loyal to Trump, Leavitt is already making headlines. But what do we really know about her career, salary, and private life? Here's a deep dive into the youngest press secretary in US history.
Karoline Leavitt: The youngest White House press secretary
Karoline Leavitt has broken records as the youngest person to hold the prestigious role of White House press secretary. At just 27, she took the podium for her first press briefing under President Donald Trump's second administration.
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Leavitt studied communications and political science at Saint Anselm College. According to BBC, even as a student, she showed an early passion for political communications, interning at Fox News and the White House press office. These experiences, she later told Politico, were her 'first glimpse into the world of press' and cemented her decision to pursue a career in media relations.
Leavitt’s rapid ascent in Republican politics began when she joined Trump’s first administration as a presidential speechwriter and assistant press secretary. Her role involved preparing then-press secretary Kayleigh McEnany for high-stakes briefings and tackling what she described as the 'biased mainstream media.'
Following Trump’s 2020 election loss, Leavitt became communications director for Republican Representative Elise Stefanik. She then ran for Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st District in 2022, securing the Republican nomination but ultimately losing to Democrat Chris Pappas.
In 2024, Leavitt returned to Trump’s team as a campaign press secretary. Her effective communication skills and unwavering loyalty to the former president led to her appointment as White House press secretary, a role previously held by figures such as Sean Spicer, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Kayleigh McEnany.
Trump praised her in November 2024 and told Newsweek and said:
Karoline Leavitt did a phenomenal job as the National Press Secretary on my Historic Campaign, and I am pleased to announce she will serve as White House Press Secretary.
Meanwhile, former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said:
I wish her the best of luck. This is a great job, an amazing opportunity to be standing at this podium, behind this lectern, to go back and forth with all of you and, and speak on behalf of this president, the president of the United States. There's nothing like it. And I hope she enjoys the job.
How much does Karoline Leavitt earn as press secretary?
Karoline Leavitt’s salary has been a topic of curiosity, with many wondering how much she makes in this influential position.
According to Irish Star, White House documents from 2024 revealed that the press secretary role comes with a salary of $180,000 per year. This figure aligns with past Trump press secretaries, including Sean Spicer and Kayleigh McEnany, who earned similar amounts during their tenures.
According to the White House, former Trump press secretaries Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders earned $179,700 and $165,000, respectively.
Leavitt’s responsibilities include managing press briefings, communicating the administration’s stance on key issues, and engaging with the media in both official and informal settings. With daily briefings not yet confirmed, she has stated:
I can assure you that you'll be hearing from both him and me as much as possible.
Inside Karoline Leavitt’s personal life: Marriage and motherhood
Beyond politics, Karoline Leavitt's personal life has also drawn attention, particularly her marriage to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer 32 years her senior. Nicholas owns Riccio multimillion-dollar real estate business Enterprises LLC.
Leavitt and Riccio met in 2022 at a campaign event in New Hampshire. She recalled the moment during an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, saying:
A mutual friend of ours hosted an event at a restaurant that he owns up in New Hampshire and invited my husband.
I was speaking. We met and we were acquainted as friends. And then we fell in love.
She added:
He is my greatest supporter, he's my best friend and he's my rock.
According to People,Leavitt initially had reservations about their significant age gap. She said:
I mean it's a very atypical love story but he's incredible.
Though she keeps her marriage relatively private on social media, Leavitt shared:
He's an introvert (complete opposite of me). I respect his privacy on here—but he's my number one fan, the best dad, and just the best man I've ever met.
The couple got engaged on Christmas Day in 2023 and married in January 2025, just before Trump's second inauguration. Their wedding photos, shared on social media, were captioned as 'a few of my favourite pictures from one of my favourite days!'
In July 2024, Leavitt and Riccio welcomed their son, Nicholas Robert Riccio, affectionately called 'Niko.' Announcing his birth, Leavitt wrote on Instagram:
It’s true when they say there’s nothing comparable to the love you feel for your child.
Despite becoming a mother, Leavitt wasted no time returning to work. Following the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on Trump, she cut short her maternity leave to rejoin the campaign, telling The Conservateur:
I looked at my husband and said, ‘Looks like I’m going back to work.’'
Read more:
Melania Trump 'relatively isolated' in DC as she hasn't found political friend group, source claims
Melania 'incredibly important advisor' to Donald Trump behind the scenes, reporter claims
Tiger Woods reportedly dating Vanessa Trump, but insider claims they're keeping it private for now
Sources used:
BBC: Who is Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary?
Newsweek: What We Know About Karoline Leavitt and Her Husband, Nicholas Riccio
Irish Star: Karoline Leavitt’s six-figure salary as youngest ever White House press secretary
People: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 27, Addresses Her 'Atypical' 32-Year Age Gap with Husband
