Karoline Leavitt, a 27-year-old rising political figure, has officially made history as the youngest White House press secretary. Her appointment by former President Donald Trump marks a bold return to Trump-era media relations, characterized by direct confrontations with mainstream media and swift policy changes.
Who is Karoline Leavitt ?
Born on August 24, 1997, in New Hampshire, Karoline Leavitt was raised in a Catholic household. She attended Central Catholic High School in Massachusetts before earning an athletic scholarship to Saint Anselm College, New Hampshire, where she played NCAA Division II softball. Leavitt graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science. While at university, she was an outspoken Trump supporter, penning multiple op-eds praising his policies and criticizing mainstream media.
Her political career began with an internship at Fox News, followed by a role at the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence. She later worked as an assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany. Following Trump’s departure in 2020, she served as communications director for Republican politician Elise Stefanik before running for Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st district in 2022. Though unsuccessful, her campaign solidified her position in conservative circles. In early 2024, Trump appointed her as his national press secretary, and she assumed the role of White House press secretary on January 20, 2025.
Karoline Leavitt’s First Press Conference
Leavitt’s debut press conference set the tone for the administration’s aggressive stance on federal spending and immigration. She defended a controversial funding freeze, insisting that while social security and Medicare would remain untouched, taxpayer money would no longer support “illegal DEI programs” and “green new scam” initiatives.
She further announced that the administration had already blocked $37 million earmarked for the World Health Organization and $50 million that had been allocated for distributing condoms in Gaza. According to Leavitt, these cuts were necessary to realign government spending with “the will and priorities of the American people.”
Strict Policies Return highlighted by Karoline Leavitt
Leavitt proudly highlighted the recent arrests of over 1,100 undocumented immigrants, defending Trump’s stance that entering the country illegally is a crime by definition. She also supported the administration’s executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship, despite legal challenges from 22 state attorneys general.
“This administration believes that birthright citizenship is unconstitutional, and we will take this fight to the Supreme Court,” she stated firmly.
Relations with Media of Karoline Leavitt
Her tenure as press secretary signals a shift in White House media relations. In a surprising move, she announced a new coverage protocol that would welcome social media influencers and independent journalists into the briefing room. She also warned legacy media outlets against spreading what she described as “lies” about Trump and his family.
“We will not accept misinformation being pushed by legacy media,” Leavitt asserted, making it clear that the administration would maintain a combative stance against critical reporting.
Personal Life and Salary of Karoline Leavitt
Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, a successful New Hampshire real estate agent and the owner of Riccio Enterprises LLC. The couple got engaged on Christmas Day in 2023, and while their wedding details remain private, Leavitt’s social media now reflects her new status as a wife.
As White House press secretary, she reportedly earns around $180,000 annually, aligning with the salaries of previous Trump press secretaries.
Conclusion
Karoline Leavitt’s appointment as the youngest White House press secretary is a defining moment in Trump’s return to the presidency. Her unwavering defense of his policies and assertive media strategy reinforce the administration’s intent to reshape the political landscape. With her at the helm of White House communications, the nation is poised for a dramatic shift in government transparency, media relations, and policy enforcement.