White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt admitted that she was initially concerned about the age gap between her and her husband.
The 27-year-old White House press secretary has opened up about her "atypical love story" with her husband, 59-year-old Nicholas Riccio.
Leavitt, who married Riccio in 2024, first met him in 2022 during her congressional campaign in New Hampshire.
“A mutual friend of ours hosted an event at a restaurant that he owns up in New Hampshire and invited my husband,” Leavitt shared during a February 2025 appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show. “I was speaking. We met and we were acquainted as friends.”
Riccio is a successful real estate entrepreneur from New Hampshire. He is 32 years older than Leavitt and has built a multimillion-dollar property empire, with more than 15 rental properties in Hampton Beach.
Before meeting his wife, he faced significant financial struggles, including experiencing homelessness in his youth, but his persistence led him to become a successful businessman.
In her interview with Megyn Kelly, Leavitt acknowledged her initial hesitation about the age difference between them. "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."
The press secretary praised her husband's success, explaining how his established career has allowed him to support her in pursuing her own political and professional dreams.
"He’s built a very successful business himself, so now he's fully supportive of me building my success in my career," she added.
The couple welcomed their first child, Nicholas Robert “Niko” Riccio, on July 10, 2024.
“My heart has grown bigger than I ever imagined possible,” she announced in an Instagram post. “Babies are the ultimate blessing, and I’m bursting with gratitude for our beautiful, happy, healthy boy.”
Though they keep their family life private, Leavitt has shared the strength of her bond with Riccio.
“He’s the father of my child, and he’s the best dad I could ever ask for,” she added. "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.”
The couple’s story has been met with mixed reactions, but Leavitt remains steadfast in her appreciation of her husband's support.
She revealed that despite their differences, their relationship is grounded in deep love and trust.
“I respect his privacy,” she said, noting that Riccio is an introvert who avoids social media. "He’s my number one fan, the best dad, and just the best man I’ve ever met," per Yahoo.