In the high-stakes world of American politics, few stories capture the imagination quite like the meteoric rise of Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House Press Secretary in history.

At just 27 years old when she assumed the role in January 2025, Leavitt has become a symbol of a new generation of conservative leaders—bold, unapologetic, and fiercely loyal to President Donald Trump’s agenda.

Her journey from a small-town New Hampshire ice cream shop to the White House podium is one of hard work, determination, and pivotal moments that reshaped her worldview.

But it was a recent clash with former CNN anchor Jim Acosta that thrust her into the spotlight even further, showcasing her sharp wit and resilience in the face of media criticism.

Leavitt’s confrontation with Acosta began when the veteran journalist, recently departed from CNN amid network shakeups, dismissed her performance during an interview on a liberal podcast.

Acosta, known for his combative style during Trump’s first term, called Leavitt a “kid” spinning “tall tales,” comparing her briefings to a child lying to a parent. He suggested she was auditioning for Trump’s “all-star team of liars,” referencing past press secretaries like Sean Spicer and Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

The remarks, laced with condescension toward her youth and inexperience, quickly went viral, drawing backlash from conservatives who saw it as hypocritical coming from a figure whose own career had hit turbulence.

Leavitt, however, didn’t let the attack go unanswered. During a high-energy appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in February 2025, she delivered what many called a “brutal” comeback.

When prompted about Acosta’s comments, she quipped, “Since you brought up Jim Acosta: He’s been saying some not-so-nice things about me online, and I’ve resisted responding. But since you brought him up, I’d like to say: Jim, at least I have a job, Jim.

OK? Just saying.” The line drew roaring applause and laughter from the crowd, cementing her status as a quick-witted defender of the administration. Social media erupted, with supporters hailing it as a mic-drop moment that highlighted Acosta’s unemployment struggles while underscoring Leavitt’s rising star power.

This exchange wasn’t just personal— it encapsulated Leavitt’s broader philosophy on media relations. Throughout her tenure, she has prioritized opening the White House briefing room to non-traditional voices, including podcasters, influencers, and independent journalists.

In her debut briefing on January 28, 2025, she emphasized honoring the First Amendment by diversifying media access, a stark contrast to what she and many conservatives view as biased legacy outlets.

Her approach has shaken up the press corps, earning praise from new media figures while drawing ire from established journalists accustomed to dominance in the room.

But what drives this young press secretary to take on such battles with unflinching confidence? Leavitt often points to her humble roots as the hidden motivation behind her success.

Born on August 24, 1997, in Atkinson, New Hampshire, she grew up in a middle-class, blue-collar family that instilled in her the values of hard work and entrepreneurship.

Her parents, Bob and Erin Leavitt, own Leavitt’s Ice Cream, a beloved seasonal stand serving Richardson’s Ice Cream, alongside a used truck dealership. From a young age, Karoline was immersed in the family business—scooping cones, managing operations, and learning the grit required to run a small enterprise.

In interviews, Leavitt has credited those summers at the ice cream shop with shaping her work ethic. “I grew up in a small business family that was entrepreneurial and worked really hard,” she has said.

By her early teens, friends and family recall her essentially running the stand, handling customer service, inventory, and even dealing with rising costs like milk prices that impacted profits.

These experiences taught her resilience and a deep appreciation for America’s small business owners, themes she frequently weaves into defenses of Trump’s economic policies. Her Catholic upbringing and athletic background—playing softball on a scholarship at Saint Anselm College—further reinforced discipline and teamwork.

Leavitt’s path to Washington began during her college years at Saint Anselm, a politically active campus in New Hampshire. Majoring in politics and communications, she interned at Fox News and wrote conservative-leaning pieces for the school newspaper, criticizing what she saw as liberal media bias.

Her first brush with national politics came in 2016 when she encountered Trump on the campaign trail. Graduating in 2019 as the first in her immediate family to earn a college degree, she landed an internship in Trump’s White House Office of Presidential Correspondence, quickly rising to associate director.

By 2020, a referral from a Secret Service friend led to her role as assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany.

Working in the press office exposed her to the intense dynamics of Trump-era media relations, but it also sparked what she later described as a “horrifying moment of betraying the media.” In reflections shared during her 2022 congressional campaign and subsequent interviews, Leavitt has spoken about initially viewing mainstream journalism through a more neutral lens, influenced by her early aspirations in sports broadcasting.

However, witnessing what she perceived as relentless negative coverage of the administration—despite positive achievements—shifted her perspective dramatically.

This “betrayal” wasn’t literal disloyalty but a profound disillusionment. Leavitt felt the media abandoned objectivity, prioritizing narrative over truth, especially in their treatment of Trump and conservative policies. It propelled her to embrace a more combative style, defending the administration vigorously while advocating for alternative voices.

After Trump’s 2020 loss, she served as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik before launching her own bid for Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st District in 2021.

At 25, she became the youngest major-party congressional nominee in history after winning the Republican primary, though she ultimately lost to incumbent Democrat Chris Pappas.

Undeterred, Leavitt joined Trump’s 2024 campaign as national press secretary in January of that year. Her performance—handling a grueling media landscape amid historic events like the Butler assassination attempt—impressed Trump enough to appoint her White House Press Secretary on November 15, 2024. Trump praised her as “smart, tough, and…

a highly effective communicator,” confident she would “excel at the podium.”

Since taking office, Leavitt has indeed excelled, often ditching the traditional binder of notes in favor of what she calls her “brain binder,” relying on deep policy knowledge and truth as her weapons.

She has navigated controversies, from immigration enforcement to economic reforms, while balancing motherhood—she welcomed her son in July 2024, just days after the Butler incident. Married to real estate developer Nicholas Riccio, Leavitt juggles family life with the demands of one of Washington’s most visible roles.

The secret behind Leavitt’s meteoric rise lies in a potent mix: unyielding work ethic from her ice cream shop days, a transformative disillusionment with mainstream media that fueled her loyalty to Trumpism, and an innate ability to connect with everyday Americans frustrated by elite institutions.

In an era of polarized politics, she represents a fresh face challenging the status quo—young, relatable, and unafraid to clap back.

As the Trump administration pushes forward with ambitious agendas, Leavitt stands at the forefront, amplifying the president’s message while reshaping how the White House engages with the press.

Her clash with Acosta was just one viral moment in a career full of them, but it underscored her core strength: turning criticism into opportunity.

From scooping ice cream in Atkinson to commanding the briefing room, Karoline Leavitt’s story is far from over—it’s a testament to how determination and conviction can propel someone from small-town roots to shaking up the American political landscape.

Critics may dismiss her youth, but supporters see it as an asset in a changing media environment. With her family values, faith, and fighter’s spirit guiding her, Leavitt continues to inspire a new wave of conservatives.

As she often reminds herself amid the chaos: there’s a country to save, and a better America to build for the next generation. Her journey proves that age is no barrier when backed by grit, truth, and an unbreakable drive to succeed.