Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary in U.S. history at just 27, has opened up about her marriage to 59-year-old Nicholas Riccio, highlighting the unique aspects of their relationship amid public curiosity regarding their 32-year age gap.
Leavitt, who married Riccio in a private ceremony in January 2025, shared her story during an appearance on "The Megyn Kelly Show," detailing how they met in 2022 during her congressional campaign in New Hampshire. At that time, Leavitt was seeking the Republican nomination for New Hampshire's First Congressional District but ultimately lost to incumbent Democrat Chris Pappas.
“A mutual friend of ours hosted an event at a restaurant that he owns in New Hampshire and invited my husband,” Leavitt explained. “I was speaking. We met and we were acquainted as friends. And then we fell in love.”
When Kelly probed Leavitt about any hesitations she may have had regarding the age difference, she candidly admitted, “Of course. I mean it's a very atypical love story but he's incredible.”
Leavitt praised Riccio for being not just a loving husband but also an attentive father to their son, Nicholas Robert Riccio, affectionately known as Niko. The couple welcomed Niko in July 2024. "He is my greatest supporter, he's my best friend and he's my rock. He's built a very successful business himself so now he's fully supportive of me building my success in my career,” Leavitt noted, emphasizing the strong partnership they share.
"And he is so supportive, especially during a very chaotic period of life. I say, ‘I walked into your life and it's been a circus ever since,’ but God bless him because he's fully on board,” she added.
Leavitt also spoke about how she manages to balance her demanding role as a press secretary and her responsibilities as a mother. "I’m so grateful to have the support system I do. A great husband, who can be very present with our child,” she stated, acknowledging the assistance from family and friends as well.
Recently, Leavitt shared intimate glimpses of her life, including photos from her wedding via Instagram. The ceremony was held at Wentworth By The Sea Country Club in New Hampshire, where Leavitt wore a stunning, long-sleeved, sparkly white gown, while Riccio donned a classic black tuxedo with a bowtie. "Finally found some time to post a few of my favorite pictures from one of my favorite days!” she captioned the photos on social media.
As she celebrated motherhood, she reflected on her newfound feelings. "It’s true when they say there’s nothing comparable to the love you feel for your child. My heart has grown bigger than I ever imagined possible,” she wrote in another Instagram post, highlighting the joy and appreciation she feels as a new parent.
In a whirlwind of events after Niko’s birth, Leavitt returned to work shortly thereafter, notably shortening her maternity leave following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a rally on July 13, 2024. "I had just brought my newborn, my three-day-old baby home from the hospital. And I said, ‘I’m going to turn on the television and watch the rally today,’” she described regarding her decision to reenter the political sphere so soon after giving birth.
In addition to her personal milestones, Leavitt has also faced significant public scrutiny. Recently, a photo from her college days resurfaced, showing her during a night out in Washington D.C. in July 2019. Social media users reacted positively to the photo, complimenting her while also drawing attention to her rising prominence within the political arena.
However, Leavitt also faced public backlash during a live TV appearance on March 20, 2025, when she made claims about Judge James Boasberg’s political affiliations that were quickly corrected by a reporter. Leavitt had mistakenly asserted that the judge was a "democratic activist," only for the reporter to clarify that Boasberg had been appointed by George W. Bush and later elevated by Barack Obama. The exchange prompted laughter from other reporters in the press room.
Donald Trump publicly criticized Judge Boasberg for ruling against his deportation plans, inciting calls for the judge’s impeachment due to his recent rulings, including a decision that stops the administration from deporting individuals under the Alien Enemies Act. This law, invoked in rare instances, has only been used three times in U.S. history, all during declared wars, adding to the controversial nature of the current political climate.
Despite the ups and downs, Leavitt’s journey serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal and public life for women in politics today. As she navigates the challenges of her role, she continues to advocate for herself and her beliefs, all while celebrating her family life and achievements.
