White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and her husband, real estate developer Nicholas Riccio—32 years her senior—welcomed their son, Nico, in 2024. While their age gap sparked public attention, Leavitt insists their relationship is rooted in love and mutual support.
“It’s a very atypical love story, but he’s incredible,” Leavitt shared during an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show. The couple met in 2022 at a political event in New Hampshire while Leavitt was running for Congress. Though she won the Republican nomination, she lost the election—but gained a future husband.
Leavitt explained that Riccio’s success and experience made him a strong supporter of her ambitions. “He’s built a very successful business himself, so now he’s fully supportive of me building my success,” she said.
They married in January 2025, and Nico was born shortly before President Trump was shot during a campaign event. Watching the news unfold, Leavitt turned to her husband and said, “Looks like I’m going back to work.”
Returning to her role earlier than expected, Leavitt had to balance motherhood with the high demands of being the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary.
During Trump’s 2024 campaign, she often managed press duties from a home studio while caring for her newborn. “I think every working mother understands the demands,” she told The Christian Broadcasting Network in March 2025. “But I spend every second I possibly can with my son when I’m home on weekends and evenings.”
