Karoline Leavitt, the 27-year-old White House Press Secretary, recently shared details about her unique relationship with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, a 59-year-old real estate entrepreneur.
The couple, who officially married in January 2025, welcomed their son, Nicholas Robert Riccio (nicknamed Niko), in July 2024.
During an interview with The Megyn Kelly Show, Leavitt acknowledged that their 32-year age gap made their love story anything but typical.
She candidly recalled how they first met during her Congressional campaign, explaining that a mutual friend had invited Riccio to an event at his New Hampshire restaurant where she was speaking.
“We met and were acquainted as friends. And then we fell in love,” she shared.
Navigating Doubts and Finding Support
When Kelly asked whether she ever hesitated about dating someone significantly older, Leavitt admitted that the thought had crossed her mind.
“Yes, of course,” she said. “I mean, it’s a very atypical love story, but he’s incredible. He is my greatest supporter, he’s my best friend, and he’s my rock.”
She went on to describe how Riccio’s background as a self-made businessman has made him particularly supportive of her own professional journey.
“He built a very successful business himself, so now he’s fully supportive of me building my success in my career,” she noted. “He’s the father of my child, the best dad I could ever ask for, and he’s been so supportive, especially during this chaotic period of life.”
Leavitt also acknowledged the adjustments her husband has had to make due to her demanding role in the White House, joking, “I walked into your life, and it’s been a circus ever since. But God bless him because he’s fully on board.”
The couple got engaged in December 2023, a moment Leavitt described as “the best Christmas of my life.” At the time, she expressed her excitement on social media, writing, “I get to marry the man of my dreams. I feel SO overwhelmingly BLESSED. Thank you, God.”
Their son, Nicholas Robert Riccio, was born on July 10, 2024, an experience Leavitt described as life-changing.
“The moment our son was born. The moment I officially became a mom. The best moment of my life,” she wrote, adding, “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 continued, “Babies are the ultimate blessing, and I’m bursting with gratitude for our beautiful, happy, healthy boy.”
A Private Husband with a Successful Career
Riccio, a real estate developer and the owner of Riccio Enterprises LLC, has built a multi-million-dollar business, primarily through rental properties in New Hampshire and West Virginia.
His portfolio includes 15 buildings he acquired in 2005, contributing to an estimated net worth of $6 million, according to Parade.
Despite his success, he prefers to stay out of the public eye. Addressing why he rarely appears on her social media, Leavitt explained, “He doesn’t have social media and he’s an introvert—complete opposite of me. I respect his privacy, but he’s my number one fan, the best dad, and just the best man I’ve ever met.”
