If you’ve spent any time watching cable news lately, you’ve probably seen her. Sharp, fast-talking, and undeniably young. Karoline Leavitt has become a household name, not just because of her role behind the podium, but because of the sheer speed of her ascent. People keep asking the same question: how old Karoline Leavitt actually is?
She is 28 years old.
Born on August 24, 1997, she represents a massive demographic shift in D.C. She isn't just "young for a politician." She is the youngest White House Press Secretary in the history of the United States.
To put that in perspective, when Ron Ziegler took the job under Richard Nixon—the previous record holder—he was 29. Leavitt beat that by two years. She’s Gen Z. She’s a "working mom." And she’s arguably one of the most powerful communicators in the world right now.
Breaking Down the Timeline: How Old Karoline Leavitt Was at Every Major Milestone
It’s easy to look at a 28-year-old in the West Wing and assume it happened overnight. It didn't. Her timeline is actually pretty frantic.
Growing up in Atkinson, New Hampshire, she wasn't exactly a "political brat." Her parents ran a local ice cream stand and a truck dealership. Hard work was the vibe. By the time she was 17, she was heading to Saint Anselm College on a softball scholarship.
Here’s the breakdown of her "rapid-fire" career:
- Age 19: Interned at Fox News.
- Age 20: Landed an internship in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence.
- Age 21: Graduated college and immediately started working full-time in the White House.
- Age 22: Promoted to Assistant White House Press Secretary under Kayleigh McEnany.
- Age 24: Ran for Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st District. She won the primary but lost the general.
- Age 26: Became the National Press Secretary for the 2024 Trump campaign.
- Age 27: Named White House Press Secretary.
It's a lot. Most people at 28 are still trying to figure out how to get their security deposit back or which streaming service to cancel. She’s managing the daily narrative of the executive branch.
The Gen Z Factor in the West Wing
Honestly, her age is more than just a trivia fact. It’s her brand.
Leavitt has leaned heavily into being a "Generation Z conservative." She doesn't talk like the old guard. She’s used to the 24-hour digital cycle because she grew up in it.
During her 2022 congressional run, she faced plenty of "you're too young" comments. Her response was basically that the youth are the ones who will have to live with the consequences of current policies, so why shouldn't they have a seat at the table?
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The "Working Mom" Era
In July 2024, at age 26, Leavitt gave birth to her son, Niko.
This added a whole new layer to her public persona. She often talks about being in her "working mom era," a phrase that resonates with a huge chunk of the population but feels slightly surreal coming from the White House podium.
Recent news from late 2025 confirmed she is expecting her second child, a baby girl, in May 2026. This would make her the first-ever pregnant White House Press Secretary to hold the role while expecting. It’s a nuance that many didn't see coming, and it has shifted the conversation from "how old Karoline Leavitt is" to "how she balances it all."
Why the 32-Year Age Gap With Her Husband Caught Fire
You can't talk about Leavitt's age without mentioning her marriage. It’s one of those things that the internet simply won't let go of.
She is married to Nicholas Riccio, a real estate businessman.
The math? She’s 28. He’s 60.
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That’s a 32-year age gap. In a recent interview on the New York Post’s "Pod Force One," she acknowledged that the gap is "very unusual." They met when she was 25 and he was 57.
People have opinions. Obviously. But Leavitt has been pretty blunt about it, noting that their shared faith—they are both practicing Roman Catholics—is what really bridges the gap. They married in January 2025, just days before the inauguration.
The Reality of Being 28 in the "Lion’s Den"
Being the youngest press secretary ever isn't just about the title. It’s about the optics.
When she stands in front of reporters who have been covering the White House since before she was born, there is an inherent tension. Some see her as a breath of fresh air; others see her as a "political operative" who hasn't "paid her dues."
But if you watch the briefings, she doesn't act like a "kid." She’s combative. She’s articulate. She uses the "new media" to her advantage, inviting influencers and podcasters into the room to bypass traditional gatekeepers.
A Quick Reality Check on the Stats
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Age | 28 (Born 1997) |
| Hometown | Atkinson, New Hampshire |
| Education | Saint Anselm College (Class of 2019) |
| Record | Youngest White House Press Secretary in history |
| Family | Married to Nicholas Riccio; one son, one baby on the way |
What You Should Take Away From This
Knowing how old Karoline Leavitt is helps explain her strategy. She isn't trying to win over the New York Times editorial board. She is speaking directly to a younger, digital-native audience that consumes news via clips and social feeds.
Whether you agree with her politics or not, her career trajectory is objectively insane. It’s a reminder that the "traditional" path to power—waiting your turn for thirty years—is officially dead.
If you're looking to follow her trajectory or just understand the new D.C. landscape, keep an eye on how she handles the "new media" integration in the briefing room. That's where the real shift is happening.
Next Steps for You: To see Leavitt’s communication style in action, watch a full unedited White House press briefing rather than just the clips on social media. Pay attention to how she handles questions about "Generation Z" issues versus standard policy—it’s where her age and her role collide most visibly.