White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has become one of the most recognizable figures in American politics, but away from the podium, she shares her life with husband Nicholas Riccio and their two young children.
While Leavitt often makes headlines for her work in Washington, Riccio has largely remained out of the spotlight despite supporting her throughout her political career. The real estate developer and entrepreneur has been by her side since they first met in 2022, and together they have built a growing family.
Today, the couple are raising two children while balancing family life with Leavitt’s demanding role as the youngest White House press secretary in U.S. history.
Nicholas Riccio built a career in real estate
Riccio grew up in Hudson, New Hampshire, as one of four children before attending Plymouth State University.
According to previous reporting, he experienced financial hardship during his college years before deciding to pursue a career in real estate.
He later founded Riccio Enterprises and expanded his business over the years. Today, he owns more than 15 buildings in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, which are operated as rental properties.
His success in business came long before he met Leavitt, something she has publicly said allows him to fully support her own professional ambitions.
How the couple met
Leavitt and Riccio first crossed paths in 2022 during her campaign for Congress in New Hampshire.
Speaking during an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, Leavitt explained that the two met through a mutual friend who invited Riccio to an event where she was speaking. The relationship began as a friendship before eventually developing into a romance.
The couple became engaged in December 2023 before marrying in January 2025, just two days before President Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
Their wedding took place at Wentworth By the Sea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire.
A marriage that has attracted public attention
One aspect of the relationship that has frequently drawn attention is the couple’s 32-year age difference.
Riccio is 60, while Leavitt is 28.
Addressing the topic publicly, Leavitt acknowledged that their relationship may be considered unusual but described her husband as someone who has been incredibly supportive throughout her career.
She also shared that telling her parents about the age difference was initially a difficult conversation, but said they quickly came to appreciate Riccio’s character and the respect he shows their family.
Growing their family together
Leavitt and Riccio welcomed their first child, Nicholas Robert “Niko” Riccio, in July 2024.
Just days after his birth, President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt in Butler County, Pennsylvania, prompting Leavitt to end her maternity leave early and return to work.
Their family grew again on May 1, 2026, with the arrival of daughter Viviana, affectionately known as Vivi.
Announcing her daughter’s birth on Instagram, Leavitt wrote that the baby was “perfect and healthy” and shared that big brother Niko was happily adjusting to life with his new baby sister.
The couple’s second child arrived only days after they were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner during an active shooter situation, although Leavitt briefly returned to the White House podium afterward before continuing her maternity leave.
As Leavitt continues balancing motherhood with one of the most demanding jobs in government, Riccio has remained a constant source of support behind the scenes. Together, they have built a family that has continued to grow alongside Leavitt’s historic rise in public service.
