From the bustling press briefings of the White House to the quiet joy of family moments, Karoline Leavitt, the youngest-ever White House press secretary, is navigating a life that has transformed dramatically in recent years. At 27, her professional trajectory has soared, culminating in her historic appointment by President Donald Trump. But amidst the high-profile career, Leavitt hasn’t forgotten the roots that shaped her, nor the promises she made to those closest to her.

On a recent afternoon, a video surfaced online, capturing a deeply personal moment: Karoline Leavitt fulfilling a long-held promise to her father, Bob Leavitt. As his birthday approached, Karoline, now comfortably settled into her life alongside her successful businessman husband, Nicholas “Nick” Riccio, and their young son, Nicholas Robert, decided to make this birthday unforgettable.

Growing up in Atkinson, New Hampshire, Karoline witnessed her parents, Bob and Erin Leavitt, build their lives from the ground up, owning businesses like an ice cream shop and a used car dealership. These experiences instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family. During her childhood, she promised herself that one day, she would repay her father’s unwavering support and hard work.

The video shows Bob Leavitt standing in his driveway, a look of bewildered curiosity on his face as a sleek, top-of-the-line luxury car, adorned with a giant red bow, is revealed. Karoline, standing beside her husband and son, beamed with pride. As Bob approached the vehicle, his initial shock gave way to disbelief, then to overwhelming emotion. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he struggled to find words.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” Bob stammered, his voice thick with emotion, before embracing his daughter in a long, heartfelt hug. The moment was captured in its entirety, showing the raw, unadulterated love between a father and daughter. The video quickly went viral, resonating with viewers who were touched by the genuine display of affection.

Karoline’s journey to this moment has been remarkable. Born in 1997, she was raised in a devout Catholic household, a faith she continues to hold dear, as evidenced by her social media. After graduating from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, she attended Saint Anselm College, earning a degree in communications and political science in 2019. Her early career included internships at Fox News and the White House’s Presidential Correspondence Office, laying the foundation for her future in politics.

Her ascent continued under President Trump’s first term, where she served as an assistant press secretary, working alongside Kayleigh McEnany. After a brief foray into electoral politics, where she won the Republican nomination for New Hampshire’s 1st district but lost in the general election, she returned to Trump’s side, becoming his national press secretary during his 2024 campaign.

Her appointment as White House press secretary in January 2025 solidified her position as a rising star in the Republican Party. Despite her demanding role, Karoline has managed to build a fulfilling personal life, finding happiness with her husband and son.

The story of Karoline’s gift to her father highlights a different side of the often-polarizing political figure. It’s a reminder that behind the headlines and policy debates, there are personal stories of love, gratitude, and the fulfillment of promises. It’s a testament to the values instilled in her by her parents, who ran an ice cream shop and used car dealership, and the importance of remembering where you came from.

The video of Bob Leavitt’s emotional reaction has become a symbol of the enduring power of family. In a world often dominated by political strife, it’s a reminder that simple acts of kindness and love can have the most profound impact. Karoline Leavitt’s journey, from a young girl with a dream to a powerful figure in the White House, is a story of ambition, dedication, and the unwavering bond between a daughter and her father.