Tricia McLaughlin is the current Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a position she has held since early 2025. In this role, she oversees the department’s public outreach, including media relations, digital communications, strategic messaging, and crisis communications. She also serves as the principal advisor to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on both internal and external communications.
Before her role at DHS, McLaughlin held several significant positions in the U.S. government. She worked at the U.S. Department of State during the Trump administration, where she served as the Chief of Staff for Nuclear Arms Control, focusing on nuclear arms control negotiations. She also worked at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where she was Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, specializing in economic sanctions.
McLaughlin’s career in government extended to the state level, where she was the Political Communications Director in the office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Additionally, she played a role in Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign as a Senior Advisor and contributed as a political commentator for ABC News.Before her role at DHS, McLaughlin held several significant positions in the U.S. government. She worked at the U.S. Department of State during the Trump administration, where she served as the Chief of Staff for Nuclear Arms Control, focusing on nuclear arms control negotiations. She also worked at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where she was Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, specializing in economic sanctions.
Early Life and Education
Tricia McLaughlin hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was raised by her parents, John and Gale McLaughlin, who have been married for over 36 years. She completed her high school education at Sycamore High School in 2012. Following her high school graduation, McLaughlin pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government in 2016.
Career Trajectory
Early Career
McLaughlin’s professional journey began with internships that provided a strong foundation in political communications. She worked on congressional campaigns and gained experience at MSNBC. Her first major role was as Digital Media Director at Kappa Alpha Theta Gamma Mu Chapter, where she honed her skills in digital strategy. This was followed by a position focused on social responsibility at the College Panhellenic Association at the University of Maryland, further solidifying her interest in public service.
Government and Political Roles
McLaughlin’s career advanced significantly when she joined the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where she held roles including Director of Public Affairs and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary. Her expertise led her to the U.S. Department of State, where she served as Chief of Staff to the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Nuclear Arms Control. She also made her mark in Ohio politics, acting as Communications Director for the Ohio Republican Party and for Governor Mike DeWine’s re-election campaign.
In 2024, McLaughlin served as a Senior Advisor and Communications Director for Vivek Ramaswamy’s presidential campaign, contributing to the campaign’s strategic direction and public messaging.
Current Role at DHS
In early 2025, McLaughlin was appointed as the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In this capacity, she oversees the department’s public outreach, including media relations, digital communications, strategic messaging, and crisis communications. She serves as the principal advisor to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on both internal and external communications.
Personal Life and Family
Tricia McLaughlin comes from a close-knit family. She has two siblings: a brother named Scott McLaughlin and a sister named Christine McLaughlin. While McLaughlin maintains a relatively private personal life, she has occasionally shared glimpses of her family moments on social media, such as celebrating her parents’ 30th wedding anniversary.
As of 2025, McLaughlin is not married and has not publicly disclosed any romantic relationships. She remains focused on her professional endeavors and public service.
Social Media Presence
Tricia McLaughlin is active on social media platforms, where she engages with the public and shares her perspectives on various issues. Her official Twitter handle is @TriciaOhio, where she posts updates related to her work at DHS and commentary on political matters. She also maintains an Instagram account under the handle @triciaohio, where she shares personal insights and professional highlights.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
While specific details about Tricia McLaughlin’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, her extensive career in government and political communications suggests a stable financial standing. Her roles in high-level positions at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of State, and the Ohio Republican Party, as well as her involvement in national political campaigns, likely contribute to her financial success.
Conclusion
Tricia McLaughlin’s career reflects a commitment to public service and a deep understanding of political strategy and communications. From her early beginnings in Ohio to her current role at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, McLaughlin has demonstrated leadership and expertise in shaping public policy and national security communications. Her work continues to influence the direction of U.S. public affairs, making her a significant figure in American politics.
FAQs
1What is Tricia McLaughlin’s current role?
Tricia McLaughlin serves as the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, overseeing the department’s public outreach and serving as the principal advisor to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on communications matters.
Where is Tricia McLaughlin from?
McLaughlin is from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was raised by her parents, John and Gale McLaughlin.
What is Tricia McLaughlin’s educational background?
She graduated from Sycamore High School in 2012 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2016.
Has Tricia McLaughlin held other significant positions?
Yes, McLaughlin has held roles such as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Chief of Staff to the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Nuclear Arms Control at the U.S. Department of State, and Communications Director for the Ohio Republican Party and Governor Mike DeWine’s re-election campaign.
Is Tricia McLaughlin married?
As of 2025, McLaughlin is not married and has not publicly disclosed any romantic relationships.
Does Tricia McLaughlin have siblings?
Yes, she has two siblings: a brother named Scott McLaughlin and a sister named Christine McLaughlin.
What is Tricia McLaughlin’s net worth?
Specific details about her net worth are not publicly disclosed, but her extensive career in government and political communications suggests a stable financial standing.
