Karoline Leavitt, appointed as the youngest-ever White House Press Secretary by President Donald Trump in November 2024, hails from Atkinson, New Hampshire. Born on August 24, 1997, she is the daughter of Bob and Erin Leavitt. Her parents instilled in her a strong Catholic faith and a commitment to hard work.
Bob and Erin Leavitt were entrepreneurs in Plaistow, New Hampshire, owning both an ice cream shop and a used truck dealership. Growing up, Karoline worked at the family’s ice cream stand during the summers, which contributed to her strong work ethic.
The Leavitt family emphasized the importance of faith and community. Karoline and her two brothers, Joe and Mike, were raised in the Catholic tradition. She attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, graduating in 2015. Her parents’ dedication to their faith and community played a significant role in shaping Karoline’s values and career path.
In summary, Bob and Erin Leavitt’s entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to faith, and emphasis on community profoundly influenced their daughter Karoline’s journey to becoming a prominent figure in American politics.
Karoline Leavitt’s Roots: A Small-Town Beginning
Karoline Leavitt was born and raised in Atkinson, New Hampshire, a quaint town in Rockingham County known for its tight-knit community and classic New England charm. Born in 1997, she is the daughter of Bob and Erin Leavitt, a hardworking couple who balanced raising their family with running their own businesses.
Growing up in Atkinson, Leavitt experienced a traditional American upbringing, deeply influenced by faith, family values, and entrepreneurship. Her parents operated both an ice cream shop and a used car dealership, instilling in her a strong work ethic and an appreciation for small business owners—the backbone of the American economy.
A Family of Faith and Strong Values
Bob and Erin Leavitt raised Karoline and her two brothers, Joe and Mike, in a devout Catholic household. Faith was a central part of their upbringing, shaping their values and guiding their daily lives.
Leavitt has been open about her religious beliefs, frequently sharing her faith on social media. She even created an Instagram highlight titled “Faith” to connect with followers on spiritual topics. This strong foundation has had a lasting impact on both her personal and professional life, guiding her decisions and shaping her leadership style.
Karoline Leavitt’s Education and Early Political Passion
Karoline Leavitt attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where she excelled academically and developed a passion for politics and communications. Her interest in public affairs led her to pursue higher education at Saint Anselm College, a private Catholic liberal arts institution in Manchester, New Hampshire.
In 2019, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political Science—a combination that would later prove invaluable in her career as a political spokesperson. During her college years, Leavitt was an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, an interest that led her to internships at Fox News and the White House’s Presidential Correspondence Office.
From Intern to White House Press Secretary
Leavitt’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. After completing her White House internship, she secured a full-time role in the Trump administration in 2020 as an assistant press secretary, working under Kayleigh McEnany. However, following Trump’s departure from office in January 2021, she sought new political opportunities.
In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st district, securing the Republican nomination but ultimately losing to Democrat Chris Pappas in the general election. Undeterred, she became a key player in Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, serving as the national press secretary, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the campaign’s media strategy.
Following Trump’s victory in November 2024, Leavitt was named White House Press Secretary, officially assuming the role on January 20, 2025.
Karoline Leavitt’s Family Life and Net Worth
Despite her demanding career, Leavitt has successfully balanced her professional and personal life. She is married to Nicholas “Nick” Riccio, an entrepreneur and owner of Riccio Enterprises LLC. The couple, who had been together for years, welcomed their first child, Nicholas Robert, in 2024.
As of 2025, Karoline Leavitt’s net worth is estimated at $2 million, stemming from her government salary, media appearances, and potential future opportunities in politics and conservative media.
How Her Parents Shaped Her Political Views
The influence of Bob and Erin Leavitt on their daughter’s political beliefs is undeniable. Growing up in a business-owning family, Karoline saw firsthand the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, shaping her pro-business, low-regulation, and America-first stance.
Beyond business, her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic, perseverance, and self-reliance—qualities that have fueled her rapid ascent in the political world.
Conclusion: A Strong Foundation for a Rising Star
Karoline Leavitt’s journey—from her small-town roots in New Hampshire to becoming White House Press Secretary—has been deeply shaped by the guidance and values of her parents, Bob and Erin Leavitt. Their entrepreneurial spirit, faith, and conservative values have provided the foundation for her meteoric rise in American politics.
As she continues her career in Washington, whether in government or eventually in conservative media, one thing is clear—Karoline Leavitt is a name that will continue to make headlines for years to come.
