Karoline Leavitt is offering a rare glimpse into her personal life, speaking candidly about her relationship and the challenges she faced early on with her family.
The 28-year-old White House press secretary, who became the youngest to hold the role after being appointed by President Donald Trump last year, recently discussed her marriage during an appearance on Miranda Devine’s Pod Force One podcast.
Leavitt revealed that telling her parents about her relationship with Nicholas Riccio, who is 32 years older than her, was not easy at first.
A Difficult Conversation That Evolved Over Time
Speaking on the podcast, Leavitt described the initial reaction from her parents when she introduced them to Riccio, a real estate developer. The couple began dating in 2022, when Leavitt was 25 and running for a congressional seat in New Hampshire.
“It’s definitely a challenging conversation to have at first,” she said, explaining how the age difference raised early concerns within her family.
Over time, however, that perspective shifted. Leavitt noted that once her parents spent more time with Riccio, their concerns eased.
“Once they got to know him and saw who he is as a man and his character and how much he adores me, I think it became quite easy for them, and now we’re all friends,” she said on the podcast.
She added that her husband has developed a strong and respectful relationship with her parents, describing their dynamic as a typical family bond.
“My husband has such respect for my parents and the way they raised me, and we have a lot of fun together when they come to visit.”
Marriage, Motherhood, and Public Attention
Leavitt and Riccio later married in January 2025, just days before President Trump’s inauguration, according to PEOPLE. The couple shares a son, Niko, who was born in July 2024.
Despite the demands of her role in Washington, Leavitt said her home life remains grounded, with her husband playing an active role in their family.
She has also addressed the public attention surrounding their relationship, including criticism tied to their age difference. Earlier this month, she faced online comments accusing her of altering a photo of Riccio when the couple attended a White House Halloween event with their son.
In a separate appearance on Megyn Kelly’s SiriusXM show in February, Leavitt acknowledged that her relationship may not follow a conventional path.
“He’s my best friend and he’s my rock,” she said, describing Riccio as her strongest supporter.
She also emphasized his private nature, noting that he prefers to remain out of the spotlight while supporting her career.
“He’s very introverted, unlike me,” she said. “He’s not on social media. He’s very private, which I respect. He’s a self-made man.”
Leavitt described their relationship as “a very atypical love story,” while underscoring the stability and support it brings to her life both personally and professionally.
