Kayla Tausche, a prominent American broadcast journalist, has made significant strides in the media industry, notably as a former Senior White House Correspondent at CNN and a long-time reporter at CNBC. Born on July 17, 1986, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she is 39 years old as of 2025. With a net worth estimated at $3.5 million and an annual salary reportedly around $2 million, Tausche’s career is a testament to her dedication and skill. Married to Jeffrey Jacob Izant since 2015, she balances a high-profile career with family life. This article explores her biography, career milestones, personal life, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into her journey.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Future in Journalism
Born in Minneapolis and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Kayla Tausche grew up in a supportive environment that nurtured her intellectual curiosity. Her father, Kurt C. Tausche, owned a brand development and advertising agency, likely influencing her communication skills. She graduated from Greater Atlanta Christian School in 2004 and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Journalism and International Politics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2008. During her time at UNC, Tausche was a cheerleader and conducted award-winning research on the media coverage of Hong Kong’s handover from British to Chinese rule.
Her early exposure to media came through internships at the Associated Press in Brussels and Bloomberg News, where she honed her skills in business reporting. These experiences laid a strong foundation for her future in journalism, blending analytical rigor with storytelling.
Career Milestones: From CNBC to CNN
Rising Through the Ranks at CNBC
Kayla Tausche joined CNBC in January 2011 as a general assignment reporter, focusing on corporate finance and deals. Her coverage of major events like the Facebook IPO and the News Corporation phone hacking scandal earned her widespread recognition. From 2014 to 2017, she co-hosted Squawk Alley, a technology-focused show, and served as a substitute anchor for programs like Squawk Box and Power Lunch. In 2021, she was promoted to Senior White House Correspondent at CNBC, covering the Biden administration with exclusive interviews, including former Vice President Mike Pence and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
Her reporting on the Trump administration was particularly notable, with live broadcasts from global summits like the G-20 in Osaka and G-7 in Quebec City. Tausche’s ability to distill complex policy issues into clear narratives earned her nominations for prestigious awards, including the Emmy and Gracie.
Transition to CNN and Recent Updates
In July 2023, Tausche made a significant career move, joining CNN as a Senior White House Correspondent. She covered critical policy developments until May 2025, when she reportedly left CNN. As of August 2025, her next professional step remains unconfirmed, sparking speculation about potential new ventures in journalism or related fields. Her departure from CNN aligns with a trend of journalists exploring independent platforms or consulting roles, reflecting the evolving media landscape.
Tausche’s career trajectory offers a case study in adaptability. Unlike many journalists who remain tied to one network, her shift from CNBC to CNN demonstrates strategic risk-taking. Industry data from the Pew Research Center shows that 60% of journalists prioritize audience engagement over traditional reporting roles, suggesting Tausche may explore digital or social media platforms next.
Personal Life: Married Life, Family, and Interests
Married to Jeffrey Jacob Izant
Kayla Tausche has been married to Jeffrey Jacob Izant, a lawyer, since April 11, 2015. The couple wed at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta, with the ceremony officiated by Msgr. Francis G. McNamee. Izant, a law clerk for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, met Tausche during their college years. Their enduring relationship, rooted in mutual support, is a cornerstone of her personal life.
Family and Children
Tausche and Izant are parents to three daughters: Margaret McCall Izant, Catherine Clancy Izant (born September 2018), and Grace Lincoln Izant (born April 2021). Tausche often shares glimpses of her family life on Instagram (@kaylatausche), balancing her demanding career with motherhood. Her ability to juggle these roles resonates with many working parents, as she once noted in a 2018 Forbes interview: “There is so much happening at once that it can feel like drinking from a fire hose.”
Hobbies and Passions
An avid marathon runner, Tausche has transitioned to hot yoga in recent years, reflecting her commitment to fitness. Her involvement in the University of North Carolina’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumni board underscores her dedication to mentoring aspiring journalists. This passion for giving back adds depth to her public persona, distinguishing her from peers focused solely on on-air presence.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Journalism
Kayla Tausche’s net worth is estimated at $3.5 million as of 2025, a figure bolstered by her high-profile roles at CNBC and CNN. Her annual salary at CNBC was reportedly $2 million, with CNN likely offering a comparable or higher figure given her seniority. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a CNBC anchor is around $700,000, suggesting Tausche’s compensation reflects her expertise and reputation. She also owns a BMW X5, valued between $23,000 and $28,000, indicative of her comfortable lifestyle.
Her financial success highlights the earning potential in broadcast journalism, particularly for those covering high-stakes beats like the White House. However, her wealth is modest compared to top-tier anchors like Anderson Cooper, whose net worth exceeds $50 million, underscoring the variability in journalism earnings.
Kayla Tausche Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kayla McCall Tausche |
| Date of Birth | July 17, 1986 |
| Age | 39 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Education | Bachelor’s in Business Journalism and International Politics, UNC (2008) |
| High School | Greater Atlanta Christian School (2004) |
| Parents | Karen C. Tausche, Kurt C. Tausche |
| Spouse | Jeffrey Jacob Izant (married April 11, 2015) |
| Children | Margaret McCall Izant, Catherine Clancy Izant, Grace Lincoln Izant |
| Profession | Broadcast Journalist |
| Notable Roles | Senior White House Correspondent (CNN, 2023–2025), CNBC Reporter (2011–2023) |
| Net Worth | $3.5 million (estimated) |
| Salary | $2 million annually (estimated at CNBC) |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65m) |
| Weight | 50 kg (110 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 34-25-35 inches |
| Social Media | Instagram: @kaylatausche, Twitter: @kaylatausche |
| Hobbies | Marathon running, hot yoga |
| Awards and Nominations | Emmy, Gracie, Polk, Livingston, Loeb nominations |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | North American |
Unique Insights: Tausche’s Impact and Future Prospects
Tausche’s career offers a blueprint for aspiring journalists. Her advice to “be politely proactive” and “make them tell you no” reflects a mindset of resilience, as shared in a 2017 Born on Fifth interview. This approach, coupled with her ability to secure exclusive interviews, underscores her tenacity. A unique angle is her role as a mentor, actively engaging with UNC’s journalism community, which positions her as a leader in shaping the next generation of reporters.
Looking ahead, Tausche’s departure from CNN in May 2025 opens new possibilities. The rise of independent media platforms, like Substack or Patreon, could attract someone of her caliber, offering creative control and direct audience engagement. Alternatively, her business journalism background might lead to consulting roles in corporate communications, a growing trend among veteran journalists.
Conclusion
Kayla Tausche remains a towering figure in broadcast journalism, with a career marked by versatility and impact. At 39 years old, her net worth of $3.5 million and salary of $2 million reflect her success, while her marriage to Jeffrey Izant and role as a mother of three add depth to her story. As she navigates her next chapter post-CNN, her legacy as a skilled reporter and mentor endures. Follow her journey on Instagram (@kaylatausche) or explore her career on Wikipedia and LinkedIn.
