Rikki Schlott (born 2000) is an American journalist, columnist, author, and political commentator best known for her work as a columnist at the New York Post and co-author of the bestselling book The Canceling of the American Mind.
The 25-year-old free speech activist has become one of the most prominent young voices in American journalism, regularly appearing on major television networks and contributing to national publications.
Schlott gained significant recognition after co-authoring a bestselling book with Greg Lukianoff and making history as the youngest ever panelist on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher.
Rikki Schlott Wikipedia
| Full Name | Rikki Schlott |
| Birth Year | 2000 |
| Age (2025) | 25 years old |
| Birth Place | Bernardsville, New Jersey, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Journalist, Author, Political Commentator, Activist |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Education | Columbia University, New York University |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Net Worth | $1.5 Million (2025) |
Early Life
Rikki Schlott was born in 2000 in Bernardsville, New Jersey, into a middle-class American family.
Her mother, Kim McMahon Schlott, works as a private investor, while her father’s identity has been kept largely private, though she has mentioned having an 84-year-old father named Dick Schlott in her writings.
Growing up in New Jersey, Schlott developed an early interest in writing and political discourse. She attended The Peck School for her middle school education, where she demonstrated exceptional academic abilities.
Her formative years were spent in a household that valued open dialogue and intellectual curiosity.
Education
Schlott’s educational journey reflects her commitment to academic excellence and intellectual growth.
She completed her high school education at The Lawrenceville School, where she graduated Cum Laude and received the Religion and Philosophy Department Prize for her outstanding work.
Initially, she enrolled at New York University as a history major, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. However, in 2020, during the height of campus culture debates, Schlott made the bold decision to drop out of NYU, describing herself as a “proud dropout.”
She later pursued night classes at Columbia University’s School of General Studies, again achieving a 4.0 GPA while balancing her emerging journalism career.
Career
Early Journalism Career
Schlott began her professional journey as a freelance journalist and contributor writer. Her passion for free speech advocacy emerged during her time at NYU, where she witnessed what she perceived as increasing restrictions on open dialogue and intellectual freedom on campus.
New York Post
In April 2021, Schlott joined the New York Post as a freelance contributor, covering topics related to higher education, campus culture, Generation Z, popular culture, women’s issues, and freedom of speech.
By December 2021, she was promoted to columnist and news features reporter, becoming one of the youngest regular columnists at the prestigious publication.
Her columns often focus on generational issues, campus activism, and free speech concerns. Recent articles include pieces on women’s safety, political activism, and educational policies, demonstrating her range as a journalist covering contemporary American issues.
Book Author
In 2023, Schlott co-authored The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust and Threatens Us All—But There Is a Solution with Greg Lukianoff, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).
The book, published by Simon & Schuster, became a bestseller and was named one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Books of 2023. The Economist described it as “bold, timely, and buttressed with data.”
Television and Media
Schlott has established herself as a prominent television personality, making regular appearances on Fox News and Fox Business.
She has also appeared on the BBC, NewsNation, and Newsmax, discussing political and social issues from a young conservative perspective.
Her most notable television achievement came when she became the youngest ever panelist on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher, where she engaged in debates about free speech and generational politics.
Podcasting
Schlott co-hosts Lost Debate, a twice-weekly podcast from The Branch Media that brings together perspectives from across the political spectrum. She co-hosts the show with Ravi Gupta, a former Obama staffer, demonstrating her commitment to good-faith political dialogue.
Foundation Work
Since June 2021, Schlott has served as a research fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), where she contributes to research on campus free speech issues and educational policies.
Personal Life
As of 2025, Rikki Schlott remains unmarried and has kept her romantic relationships private. She has stated in interviews that she is currently focused on her journalism career and advocacy work.
Schlott is known to be close to her family, particularly her elderly father, about whom she has written affectionately in her columns.
She maintains an active social media presence on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where she shares insights about her work and engages with her audience of over 23,000 Instagram followers.
Body Measurements
Rikki Schlott stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs approximately 121 pounds (55 kg). She has distinctive blue eyes and blonde hair, contributing to her recognizable media presence.
Her professional appearance and articulate speaking style have made her a sought-after television guest and public speaker.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
As of 2025, Rikki Schlott’s estimated net worth is $1.5 million. Her income sources include her columnist salary at the New York Post, book royalties from The Canceling of the American Mind, television appearances, speaking engagements, and her fellowship at FIRE. She has also been represented by APB Speakers for public speaking events.
Her financial success at such a young age reflects her rapid rise in the media industry and her ability to monetize her expertise in political commentary and journalism. She maintains a professional website at rikkischlott.com where she showcases her work and credentials.
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References
- New York Post Author Page – New York Post
- The Canceling of the American Mind – Simon & Schuster Publishers
- Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression – FIRE Official Website
- Lost Debate Podcast – The Branch Media
- APB Speakers Bureau – APB Speakers
- Professional Resume – Rikki Schlott Official Website
- Columbia University School of General Studies – Columbia University
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