Tricia McLaughlin Biography – Early Life, Family, Career and More

Tricia McLaughlin is a well-known figure in American conservative politics, currently serving as the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Secretary Kristi Noem. Skilled in political strategy, crisis management, and media communications, she has played a key role in shaping messages for national leaders like Vivek Ramaswamy and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Tricia has built a career that bridges finance, government service, and campaign strategy. By her early 30s, she had already worked in the Trump administration, advised presidential campaigns, and earned a leadership role at DHS. Her mix of sharp policy insights and professional discipline has made her one of the GOP’s rising communication voices.

Tricia McLaughlin Wiki/Bio

AttributeDetails
Full NameTricia McLaughlin
ProfessionPolitical Advisor, Communications Director, DHS Assistant Secretary
HometownCincinnati, Ohio, USA
Current ResidenceWashington, D.C., USA
NationalityAmerican
Instagram ID@triciaohio
Tricia McLaughlin and Benjamin Yoho
Tricia McLaughlin and Benjamin Yoho (Photo Credit : x.com/triciaohio)

Tricia McLaughlin Early Life

Tricia McLaughlin grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, in a close-knit family that valued hard work and education. Her parents, John and Gale McLaughlin, celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2018 and have been strong role models in her life. Tricia is the middle child, with a brother named Scott and a sister named Christine.

Her upbringing was centered on community and family traditions, which she still shares on social media through family celebrations and holiday gatherings. She attended Sycamore High School, graduating in 2012, where her interest in politics and leadership began to take shape.

Tricia McLaughlin Education

After high school, Tricia studied at the University of Maryland, College Park, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government in 2016. During her time at UMD, she was active in political discussions and internships that gave her hands-on experience in public affairs and strategy. These early experiences provided the foundation for her move into government service and campaign work.

Tricia McLaughlin Family

Family has been an important support system for Tricia. Her parents, John and Gale, remain an example of commitment and stability. Her siblings, Scott and Christine, share a strong bond with her and appear in her social media posts, showing that despite her high-profile career, she values her family ties deeply.

AttributeDetails
FatherJohn McLaughlin
MotherGale McLaughlin
SiblingsScott McLaughlin (brother), Christine McLaughlin (sister)
Marital StatusMarried to Benjamin Yoho (Businessman)

Tricia McLaughlin Career

Tricia’s career path blends both private-sector and government experience. She started at J.P. Morgan in 2016 as a financial analyst, before moving into political communications. She worked with the Ohio Republican Party and helped lead communications for Governor Mike DeWine’s re-election campaign.

In the Trump administration, she served as Director of Public Affairs at the U.S. Treasury and later as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary from 2017 to 2020. She also worked at the State Department as Chief of Staff for Nuclear Arms Control, handling sensitive negotiations.

Her political profile grew further when she became Senior Advisor and Communications Director for Vivek Ramaswamy’s 2024 presidential campaign. In January 2025, she took on her current role as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at DHS, where she manages communications across major agencies including FEMA, CBP, and TSA.

MilestoneDetails
First RoleFinancial Analyst, J.P. Morgan (2016–2017)
Political StartCommunications Director, Ohio GOP & DeWine Campaign
Trump AdministrationU.S. Treasury (2017–2020); State Department
Major Campaign RoleSenior Advisor, Vivek Ramaswamy 2024 campaign
Current RoleAssistant Secretary for Public Affairs, DHS (2025–present)

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