SEO Title: Karoline Leavitt: Political Journey, Background, and Rise to White House Press Secretary

Keywords: Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, Trump administration, New Hampshire politics, Republican Party, Saint Anselm College, 2022 congressional election, MAGA Inc., Elise Stefanik, Trump 2024 campaign, youngest press secretary, political history, conservative values

Introduction

Karoline Claire Leavitt, born August 24, 1997, in Atkinson, New Hampshire, has made history as the youngest White House Press Secretary at age 27, serving under the second Trump administration since January 2025. A staunch Republican and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, Leavitt’s rapid rise in American politics is a testament to her ambition, conservative values, and strategic career choices. This article explores her political history, background, and key milestones, offering insights into her journey from a small-town New Hampshire native to a prominent figure in national politics.

Early Life and Education

Karoline Leavitt grew up in Atkinson, New Hampshire, the youngest of four children born to Bob and Erin Leavitt. Her family owned a local ice cream stand and a used truck dealership in Plaistow, fostering a strong work ethic and community ties. Raised in a Roman Catholic household, Leavitt attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where she excelled in softball, earning Eagle-Tribune All-Star honors in 2014 and 2015. Her Catholic education shaped her core values, including faith, family, discipline, and pro-life principles, which continue to influence her political stance.

In 2015, Leavitt enrolled at Saint Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire, on a softball scholarship, majoring in communications and minoring in political science. At Saint Anselm, she became politically active, volunteering at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics and interning for a U.S. senator and WMUR-TV. She founded the college’s broadcasting club and wrote for the Saint Anselm Crier, where she expressed conservative views, criticizing the “liberal media” and defending Trump’s policies, such as the 2017 travel ban. Leavitt gave up softball after her sophomore year to focus on political journalism and media opportunities, including an internship at Fox News and later in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence during Trump’s first term.

Early Political Career

Leavitt’s political career began in earnest during her college years. Her White House internship in the Office of Presidential Correspondence, where she wrote letters on behalf of the president, led to a full-time role after graduating in 2019. By June 2020, she had risen to associate director of the office. That same month, a referral from a Secret Service contact connected her with then-White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, resulting in Leavitt’s appointment as an assistant White House press secretary. She gained firsthand experience in high-pressure media environments, helping prepare McEnany for briefings. However, Leavitt contracted COVID-19 after attending the Amy Coney Barrett nomination ceremony in the White House Rose Garden, an event linked to a White House outbreak.

Following Trump’s 2020 election loss, Leavitt transitioned to a role as communications director for New York Representative Elise Stefanik, a prominent Trump ally. Working for Stefanik, Leavitt honed her skills in political messaging and media relations, further aligning herself with the MAGA movement. Stefanik’s encouragement inspired Leavitt to pursue her own political ambitions, leading to her decision to run for Congress in 2022.

2022 Congressional Campaign

In July 2021, Leavitt announced her candidacy for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, challenging Democratic incumbent Chris Pappas. At 25, she positioned herself as a pro-Trump Republican, advocating for conservative principles like limited government, fiscal responsibility, and Second Amendment rights. Her campaign gained traction through frequent appearances on Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast and Newsmax, where she embraced Trump’s election fraud claims, despite privately acknowledging his 2020 loss, according to later reports. Leavitt won the Republican primary with 34.4% of the vote, becoming the second Generation Z candidate to secure a congressional primary. However, she lost the general election to Pappas, 54% to 45.9%.

Despite the loss, Leavitt’s campaign elevated her profile within the Republican Party. She operated out of her father’s used car dealership, blending grassroots efforts with national media exposure. Her alignment with Trump and her ability to connect with conservative audiences caught the attention of MAGA Inc., Trump’s super PAC, where she worked as a spokesperson after the election. She also appeared in a Project 2025 video training political appointees, further cementing her role in Trump’s political ecosystem.

Trump 2024 Campaign and White House Press Secretary

In January 2024, Leavitt joined Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign as national press secretary, a role that showcased her communication skills and loyalty to Trump. She traveled extensively, delivering the campaign’s message while pregnant with her first child, born in July 2024. Remarkably, she returned to work four days after giving birth, motivated by the historic moment following an assassination attempt on Trump on July 13, 2024. Her dedication earned praise from Trump, who announced her as his White House Press Secretary on November 15, 2024.

Leavitt assumed the role on January 20, 2025, becoming the youngest press secretary in U.S. history, surpassing Ronald Ziegler, who was 29 when appointed under Nixon. Her first briefing on January 28, 2025, set a combative tone, criticizing traditional media and announcing plans to include podcasters, influencers, and “new media” in White House debriefings. Leavitt’s tenure has been marked by her unflappable demeanor, sharp messaging, and commitment to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda. She has vowed to restore “decorum” to the briefing room while prioritizing transparency through frequent briefings.

Personal Life and Values

Leavitt’s personal life reflects her conservative values. In December 2023, she became engaged to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer 32 years her senior, whom she met during her congressional campaign. They married in January 2025 and welcomed a son, Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio, in July 2024. Leavitt has described their relationship as an “atypical love story,” emphasizing Riccio’s support for her career. Her faith remains central to her life, guiding her decisions as a wife, mother, and public servant.

Leavitt’s political positions align with the Republican Party’s conservative wing. She supports limited government, lower taxes, and free-market policies, while advocating for traditional values, including pro-life stances and Second Amendment rights. Her vocal criticism of the mainstream media and defense of Trump’s policies have made her a polarizing figure, admired by conservatives and scrutinized by critics.

Impact and Future Prospects

Karoline Leavitt’s rapid ascent from a White House intern to press secretary underscores her political acumen and dedication. As a Gen Z Republican, she represents a new generation of conservative leaders, leading what she calls a “reawakening” among young voters. Her role in the Trump administration positions her as a key communicator for policies like mass deportations and AI industry deregulation, which she has defended in briefings.

At 27, Leavitt’s future in politics is bright, though her close ties to Trump may shape her career trajectory. If she serves the full term, she will be 31 in 2028, with potential opportunities in elected office, media, or Republican leadership. However, her association with Trump’s controversial administration could pose challenges in broadening her appeal.

Conclusion

Karoline Leavitt’s journey from Atkinson, New Hampshire, to the White House press room is a remarkable story of ambition, faith, and conservative conviction. Her political history, rooted in early media internships and bolstered by her work with Trump and Stefanik, has made her a rising star in the Republican Party. As the youngest White House Press Secretary, Leavitt continues to shape the national discourse, delivering Trump’s message with poise and determination. Follow her ongoing impact at www.nriglobe.com for the latest updates on her career and American politics