Karoline Leavitt, an American political aide and government official, has gained prominence through her rapid ascent in conservative politics. Born on August 24, 1997, in Atkinson, New Hampshire, she made history in 2025 as the White House Press Secretary under Donald Trump, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the position. Despite her growing influence in politics, Leavitt’s net worth remains modest at approximately $100,000, with her financial history largely reflecting a lack of major personal assets or investments.
Early Life and Education
Leavitt was raised in Atkinson, New Hampshire, where her family owned an ice cream shop and a used truck dealership in Plaistow. She attended Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, graduating in 2015 before earning an NCAA Division II softball scholarship to Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire.
During her college years, Leavitt became an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, writing opinion pieces in the college newspaper defending his 2017 travel ban and attacks on the news media. She also demonstrated an early interest in broadcasting and politics, founding Saint Anselm College’s first broadcasting club, interning at Fox News, and working at Hearst Television’s WMUR-TV. In 2019, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications and politics, setting the stage for her entry into government and media.
Political Career and Government Positions
Leavitt’s political career began immediately after college, when she joined the Trump administration as an assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany. This position allowed her to gain firsthand experience in government communications and media relations. She later transitioned to serve as the communications director for Republican U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik, further cementing her role in conservative politics.
Her most significant career leap came in 2024, when she was named the national press secretary for Donald Trump’s re-election campaign. Following Trump’s victory, she was appointed White House Press Secretary in 2025, replacing Karine Jean-Pierre. Her appointment made headlines, as she became the youngest individual in U.S. history to hold the position.
2022 Congressional Run and Campaign Finance Issues
Before her tenure as Press Secretary, Leavitt attempted to launch a political career of her own. In 2022, she ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Hampshire’s 1st District, where she used a fiery, right-wing campaign style that attracted the support of figures such as Ted Cruz and Lauren Boebert. Despite winning the Republican primary in an upset, she lost the general election to Democratic incumbent Chris Pappas.
Her campaign, however, became mired in controversy. Following her 2022 congressional bid, she faced allegations of campaign finance violations. A Federal Election Commission (FEC) complaint accused her of illegally accepting donations exceeding the legal limit and failing to repay donors. In early 2025, she admitted to over $325,000 in unpaid campaign debts, including $200,000 in excessive and illegal contributions that were never returned. These financial missteps have continued to raise questions about her transparency and ethics in politics.
Financial Summary and Net Worth
Despite her high-profile government career, Karoline Leavitt’s net worth remains relatively low at $100,000. Her financial disclosures from her 2022 campaign revealed that she had no significant personal assets, investments, or real estate holdings. Additionally, she reported no liabilities or debts tied to her personal finances.
During her time as a congressional candidate, Leavitt relied primarily on her campaign funds, but her lack of financial assets at the time suggests she had limited personal wealth. Before assuming the role of White House Press Secretary, her salary was modest, with reported earnings of $70,000 in 2021 and $48,800 the prior year.
However, her financial situation improved significantly upon joining the Trump administration in 2025. As White House Press Secretary, she now earns an estimated $180,000 per year, consistent with the Executive Schedule Level IV pay grade for senior government officials. This increase, along with federal benefits such as retirement contributions and health insurance, has provided her with greater financial stability compared to her earlier years.
Personal Life and Marriage to Nicholas Riccio
In late 2023, Karoline Leavitt became engaged to real estate developer Nicholas Riccio, a businessman 32 years her senior. The couple’s age difference has sparked significant public discussion, particularly given Riccio’s high-profile real estate holdings in New England.
The pair married in early 2024, and later that summer, they welcomed their first child, a son named Nicholas Robert Riccio, born on July 10, 2024. Despite her demanding political career, Leavitt has emphasized the importance of family, frequently sharing moments of her personal life on social media.
Her husband, Nicholas Riccio, is a successful entrepreneur and founder of Riccio Enterprises LLC, a multi-million-dollar real estate company that owns properties from Boston to the White Mountains. His financial success contrasts significantly with Leavitt’s modest personal net worth, further drawing attention to their public and private lives.
Future Prospects and Political Influence
Karoline Leavitt’s political future remains uncertain, given her campaign finance controversies and rapid rise in government. As Press Secretary, she plays a crucial role in shaping the public messaging of the Trump administration, and her performance in this role will likely determine whether she pursues future political campaigns or media roles.
Despite her rocky start in campaign finance, she continues to be a prominent figure in Republican circles, with the potential to further solidify her position in conservative politics. However, her handling of past financial issues may be a lingering obstacle should she seek higher office in the future.