Karoline Leavitt, one of the most prominent public faces of President Donald Trump’s administration, is set to leave her position as White House press secretary at the end of August 2026. Trump announced the move on August 12, saying Leavitt would step away from the demanding role to spend more time with her young family.
However, Leavitt is not leaving Trump’s political circle. Trump said the 28-year-old would continue as one of his top outside advisers and remain an influential voice in the Republican Party as the administration heads toward the November midterm elections.
Leavitt’s exit brings an end to a roughly 19-month tenure in which she became known for her combative exchanges with reporters, strong defense of Trump and efforts to broaden access for conservative and nontraditional media outlets.
Who is Karoline Leavitt?
Karoline Leavitt is an American political communications strategist who has served as Trump’s White House press secretary since January 20, 2025. At 28, she is the youngest person ever to hold the position. She was 27 when she took the podium and became the first member of Generation Z to serve as White House press secretary.
Leavitt was born in Atkinson, New Hampshire, and studied politics and communication at Saint Anselm College, graduating in 2019. She received a softball scholarship while attending the college. Before entering national politics, she had considered a career in broadcast journalism. Her path changed after she secured an internship in the White House during Trump’s first administration.
Karoline Leavitt Political Career
Leavitt began her White House career as an intern in the Office of Presidential Correspondence during Trump’s first term. She subsequently worked her way up to become an assistant press secretary.
After Trump left office in 2021, Leavitt became communications director for Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York. She then entered electoral politics herself. At just 23, Leavitt launched a campaign for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District in 2022. She won the Republican primary but ultimately lost the general election to Democratic incumbent Chris Pappas.
Her political profile grew significantly during Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. She became the campaign’s national press secretary and was one of Trump’s most visible media defenders. She also served as a spokeswoman for his transition operation after he won the 2024 election.
Trump selected her as White House press secretary in November 2024, and she formally took office when Trump returned to the White House on January 20, 2025.
What was Karoline Leavitt Known for as Press Secretary?
Leavitt’s time behind the White House podium was marked by an aggressive communication style and frequent confrontations with journalists. She strongly defended Trump’s policies and often challenged reporters over questions involving the administration. Her approach closely reflected Trump’s own criticism of what he calls the mainstream or “fake” media.
Her tenure also saw changes in how the White House handled media access. The administration introduced a new media seat in the briefing room for podcasters, newsletter writers and other digital media organisations. It also took a more direct role in deciding which journalists could receive access to Trump.
Supporters said the changes recognized the growing importance of independent and digital media. Press-freedom advocates, however, raised concerns that the system could give preferential treatment to outlets more sympathetic to Trump.
Why is Karoline Leavitt leaving the White House?
Leavitt has said she is leaving because she wants to spend more time with her family, particularly her two young children. Her decision comes only a few months after the birth of her second child. Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, welcomed their daughter, Viviana “Vivi,” on May 1, 2026. They also have a son, Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio, who was born in July 2024.
Leavitt recently returned from maternity leave and has spoken publicly about the difficulty of balancing motherhood with one of the most demanding jobs in Washington. Trump described her departure as a decision he totally understands and respects and said she would continue to advise him from outside the administration. Leavitt described her time as press secretary as the honor and adventure of a lifetime.
Who is Karoline Leavitt’s Husband?
Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, a New Hampshire real-estate developer. The couple met in 2022 while Leavitt was running for Congress. They became engaged in December 2023 and married in January 2025, shortly before Trump’s second inauguration. Riccio is 32 years older than Leavitt.
They have two children their son Niko and daughter Viviana. Riccio has built his career in real estate and has invested in properties in New Hampshire. Reports have described him as a supporter of Leavitt’s political career and an important source of support while she worked in Washington.
Karoline Leavitt Family
Leavitt and Riccio are parents to two children. Their first child, Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio, was born in July 2024. Their daughter, Viviana “Vivi,” was born on May 1, 2026. Leavitt became the first pregnant White House press secretary while serving in the role. Her experience as a working mother also became an important part of her public profile. Her decision to leave the press secretary’s position follows her return from maternity leave and comes as she seeks more time with her children.
What is Karoline Leavitt Net worth?
There is no officially verified public figure for Karoline Leavitt’s current net worth. Several celebrity-wealth and media websites have published different estimates, so these figures should be treated as unconfirmed estimates, not established facts. One widely cited estimate puts her wealth at around $3 million (approximately ₹28.6 crore). Other reports have estimated it at $6 million (about ₹57.2 crore) or $7 million (around ₹66.7 crore).
Her annual White House salary was reported at about $195,200, or roughly ₹1.86 crore, in 2026. INR conversions are approximate, using about ₹95.33 per US dollar, the rupee’s recent level reported on August 13, 2026
Who will replace Karoline Leavitt?
As of August 13, 2026, the White House has not officially named Leavitt’s permanent successor. The press secretary is appointed by the president and does not require Senate confirmation. Therefore, the safest description at present is that Leavitt’s replacement remains undecided publicly.
