Karoline Leavitt has made history as the youngest White House Press Secretary in United States history, but behind the high-stakes briefings and political spotlights lies a grounded personal life. Central to her world is her husband, Nicholas Riccio, a self-made real estate developer from New Hampshire. Their relationship, often described as an “atypical love story,” has captured public interest not only because of Karoline’s rapid political rise but also due to their significant age difference and shared commitment to family values. While Karoline navigates the intense media landscape of Washington, D.C., her home life with Nicholas provides a steady foundation of support.
The couple’s journey began in their home state of New Hampshire, where they first met during a pivotal moment in Karoline’s early career. Despite the 32-year age gap that has sparked much media discussion, the pair has built a life centred on mutual respect and shared goals. From their private wedding to the birth of their son, Niko, and the recent announcement of their second child, Karoline Leavitt home life with Nicholas Riccio is a testament to how personal stability can fuel professional ambition. This article explores the details of their relationship, their family dynamics, and how they balance a high-profile public life with private joys.
Biography: Karoline Leavitt & Nicholas Riccio
| Full Name | Karoline Claire Leavitt |
| Date of Birth | August 24, 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Atkinson, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Education | B.A. in Politics and Communication, Saint Anselm College (2019) |
| Current Role | White House Press Secretary (36th) |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Husband | Nicholas Riccio (m. January 2025) |
| Husband’s Profession | Real Estate Developer (Owner of Riccio Enterprises) |
| Age Difference | 32 Years (Nicholas Riccio born c. 1965) |
| Children | Nicholas Robert “Niko” Riccio (b. July 10, 2024); daughter (expected May 2026) |
| Religious Faith | Roman Catholic |
| Key Career Milestones | Youngest White House Press Secretary; 2022 Congressional Nominee (NH-01) |
| Notable Achievements | First sitting Press Secretary to be pregnant while in office |
The First Meeting: A Political Beginning in New Hampshire
The story of Karoline Leavitt home life with Nicholas Riccio started in 2022. At the time, Karoline was a 25-year-old rising star in the Republican Party, campaigning for a congressional seat in New Hampshire’s 1st District. They were introduced by a mutual friend at a political event held at a restaurant. Nicholas, who was 57 at the time, was already a well-established figure in the local business community. While Karoline was the one in the spotlight, Nicholas was described as an “introvert” who preferred the background, creating an immediate “opposites attract” dynamic.
Their initial meeting was professional, with Nicholas supporting the local political scene, but it quickly blossomed into a deep friendship. Karoline has often reflected on this period, noting that Nicholas’s maturity and business acumen provided a unique perspective that she found refreshing. As she campaigned across the state, their bond strengthened, eventually evolving from a professional acquaintance into a private romance. This period laid the groundwork for the supportive partnership that would later sustain her through her historic appointment at the White House.
Understanding Nicholas Riccio: The Man Behind the Scenes

To truly understand Karoline Leavitt home life with Nicholas Riccio, one must look at Nicholas’s own remarkable journey. Born in 1965, Nicholas grew up in Hudson, New Hampshire, and faced significant hardships in his youth. Following his parents’ divorce, he experienced periods of homelessness, even sleeping in his car while working his way through Plymouth State University. This “rags-to-riches” story of overcoming adversity is something Karoline deeply admires, often citing his resilience as a quality that defines his character as a husband and father.
After graduating, Nicholas turned his attention to real estate, eventually founding Riccio Enterprises and Nautical Beach Properties. Today, he is a successful mogul, owning over 15 buildings in the Hampton Beach area. His financial independence and established career have allowed him to take on a more flexible role at home, which is crucial given Karoline’s demanding schedule. Nicholas’s preference for privacy remains strong; he famously “hates social media” and stays away from the cameras, serving instead as Karoline’s “number one fan” from the sidelines.
The 32-Year Age Gap: Navigating Public and Family Perceptions
One of the most discussed aspects of Karoline Leavitt home life with Nicholas Riccio is their 32-year age difference. Karoline, born on August 24, 1997, is a member of Generation Z, while Nicholas is a seasoned Gen Xer. When their relationship became public, it drew significant scrutiny on social media. Karoline has been candid about the “atypical” nature of their love, admitting in interviews—including an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show—that it was initially a “challenging conversation” to have with her parents, particularly since her mother is younger than Nicholas.
However, the skepticism faded once her family saw the depth of Nicholas’s devotion. Karoline has noted that he shares a warm and respectful relationship with her parents, Bob and Erin Leavitt, who saw how much he adored their daughter. For Karoline, the age gap is a non-issue; she often jokes that she couldn’t find “boys her own age” who matched her level of maturity and ambition. This shared maturity has allowed the couple to navigate the pressures of public life with a level of calm that many find surprising.
A Christmas Proposal and a Private Wedding

The couple took a major step forward in December 2023, when Nicholas proposed to Karoline on Christmas Day. Karoline shared the news on her Instagram, calling it “the best Christmas of my life” and describing Nicholas as the “man of my dreams.” The engagement was a celebrated moment among her followers, marking the transition of their relationship from a private courtship to a public commitment. The proposal took place in their beloved New Hampshire, further cementing their ties to their home state.
Following their engagement, the couple chose to keep their wedding ceremony relatively private. They officially tied the knot in January 2025, just days before Karoline assumed her role as the 36th White House Press Secretary. The timing of their marriage was symbolic, occurring at the start of a massive new chapter in Karoline’s career. By keeping the wedding low-key, they were able to focus on their commitment to one another before the whirlwind of Washington, D.C., took center stage.
Welcoming Son Niko: The Joy of First-Time Parenthood
A defining chapter in Karoline Leavitt home life with Nicholas Riccio began with the birth of their first child. On July 10, 2024, they welcomed their son, Nicholas Robert “Niko” Riccio. Karoline has described the moment of his birth as the “best moment of my life,” stating that the love she feels for her child is incomparable to anything else. The transition to motherhood was swift and intense; Karoline returned to the campaign trail just days after giving birth, driven by her professional responsibilities and the support of her husband.
Nicholas has been widely praised by Karoline as an incredibly “hands-on” father. His flexible schedule as a business owner allows him to handle much of the day-to-day care for Niko while Karoline is at the White House. Public interest in their parenting style peaked in May 2025, when a photo of Karoline feeding Niko with a bottle while working in her office went viral. The image became a symbol of the modern working mother, highlighting the balance she maintains between her historic career and her role as a parent.
Balancing the White House and Home Life

The logistics of Karoline Leavitt home life with Nicholas Riccio are managed with military precision. Living and working in Washington, D.C., while maintaining roots in New Hampshire, requires a high degree of coordination. As the Press Secretary, Karoline’s days are filled with briefings, media strategy, and constant communication with President Donald Trump. Nicholas’s role in this dynamic is one of stability; he manages the home front, ensuring that Niko is cared for and that their family life remains a sanctuary away from the political fray.
Karoline credits their strong partnership for her ability to perform at such a high level. She has stated that Nicholas’s own success in business means he is not intimidated by her career; instead, he is fully supportive of her building her own legacy. This lack of ego in their partnership is a key reason they are able to withstand the pressures of her job. Whether it is managing household chores or providing emotional support after a difficult day at the podium, Nicholas is the “rock” that keeps Karoline grounded.
Expanding the Family: Baby Number Two on the Way
In a historic announcement on December 26, 2025, Karoline revealed that she and Nicholas are expecting their second child—a baby girl due in May 2026. This news made Karoline the first sitting White House Press Secretary to be pregnant while in office. The announcement was met with widespread congratulations and underscored the couple’s commitment to building a large, faith-based family. Karoline expressed her gratitude for the “pro-family environment” of the administration, which has allowed her to continue her duties while pregnant.
The news of the second baby has added another layer of excitement to Karoline Leavitt home life with Nicholas Riccio. Karoline shared her joy about seeing Niko become a big brother, emphasizing her belief that motherhood is a profound blessing. As they prepare for the arrival of their daughter, the couple continues to prioritize their family unit, proving that even in the highest levels of government, personal life remains the ultimate priority. This upcoming addition to the family further solidifies their status as a prominent American political family.
Privacy in the Digital Age: Nicholas Riccio’s Stance
One of the unique challenges of Karoline Leavitt home life with Nicholas Riccio is managing privacy. While Karoline is a public figure with a massive following, Nicholas remains a very private person. He does not have public social media accounts and rarely appears in Karoline’s posts. This has occasionally led to online speculation and trolling, including instances where critics suggested family photos were edited to obscure Nicholas’s face. Karoline has consistently defended his right to privacy, noting that she respects his choice to stay out of the limelight.
This boundary between public and private life is essential for their relationship. By keeping Nicholas’s world separate from the political theater of D.C., they protect their marriage from the volatility of public opinion. Nicholas spends much of his time managing his properties and indulging in his hobby of collecting sports memorabilia—he even has a personal “sports museum” in their home. This separation of “work” and “home” allows them to maintain a sense of normalcy in an otherwise extraordinary life.
Faith and Values: The Foundation of Their Marriage
The foundation of Karoline Leavitt home life with Nicholas Riccio is built on shared values and a strong Roman Catholic faith. Karoline grew up in a devout family in New Hampshire and has often spoken about the importance of God in her life. She and Nicholas have incorporated these values into their marriage and the upbringing of their son. For them, family is a sacred institution, and their decisions—from their private wedding to their desire for more children—are guided by their religious beliefs.
These shared values also extend to their political outlook. Both are staunchly conservative, with Nicholas having financially supported Karoline’s 2022 campaign. This alignment in their worldviews ensures that they are always on the same page regarding the direction of their lives and the education of their children. Karoline’s parents also share these values, which has helped Nicholas integrate seamlessly into the broader Leavitt family. This cohesive family unit is a source of great strength for Karoline as she faces the daily challenges of her profession.
Conclusion: A Modern Power Couple with Traditional Roots
In conclusion, Karoline Leavitt home life with Nicholas Riccio is a compelling blend of modern career success and traditional family values. Karoline Leavitt’s historic role as White House Press Secretary is supported by Nicholas’s steady, quiet presence as a self-made entrepreneur and devoted father. Despite the age gap and the intense public scrutiny, they have managed to build a resilient and joyful family life in Washington, D.C., and New Hampshire.
As they prepare to welcome their second child in 2026, the couple remains focused on their partnership and the future of their children. Karoline’s journey serves as an inspiration for many young women looking to balance high-level careers with motherhood, while Nicholas’s story of overcoming adversity provides a grounded perspective on the American dream. Together, they represent a unique and powerful union that continues to thrive in the spotlight.
FAQs About Karoline Leavitt and Nicholas Riccio
1. Who is Karoline Leavitt’s husband?
Karoline Leavitt’s husband is Nicholas Riccio, a successful real estate developer and entrepreneur from New Hampshire. He is the owner of Riccio Enterprises and Nautical Beach Properties.
2. What is the age difference between Karoline Leavitt and Nicholas Riccio?
There is a 32-year age gap between the couple. Karoline was born in 1997, and Nicholas was born in 1965.
3. When did Karoline Leavitt and Nicholas Riccio get married?
The couple married in a private ceremony in January 2025, shortly before Karoline started her role as White House Press Secretary.
4. How many children do Karoline Leavitt and Nicholas Riccio have?
They have one son, Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio, born in July 2024. They are currently expecting their second child, a baby girl, in May 2026.
5. How did Karoline Leavitt meet Nicholas Riccio?
They met in 2022 through a mutual friend at a political event held at a restaurant during Karoline’s congressional campaign in New Hampshire.
6. Does Nicholas Riccio work in politics?
No, Nicholas Riccio is not in politics. He is a real estate mogul who focuses on his property business in New Hampshire while supporting Karoline’s career from behind the scenes.
7. Is Karoline Leavitt the first pregnant White House Press Secretary?
Yes, with the announcement of her second pregnancy in December 2025, Karoline Leavitt became the first person to serve as White House Press Secretary while pregnant.

