Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, has been open about her marriage to 32-year-old real estate developer Nicolas Riccio.
In January 2025, shortly before President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the couple exchanged vows. On March 12, Leavitt, 27, posted wedding pictures to Instagram, calling her wedding day one of the most joyous days of her life.
A Story of Love That Started in Politics
Leavitt recently discussed her relationship on The Megyn Kelly Show, calling it “atypical but incredibly supportive.”
While running for Congress in 2022, she recalled meeting Riccio for the first time at a restaurant event in New Hampshire. Despite winning the Republican nomination, she was defeated by Democrat Chris Pappas. But because she met Riccio through that political campaign, she benefited personally.
“My husband was invited to an event that a mutual friend of ours threw at a restaurant he owns in New Hampshire. And I was talking,” Leavitt clarified. “We were friends when we first met. We fell in love after that.
Their age difference raised some initial concerns, but Leavitt said it soon became irrelevant. She highlighted how much she appreciates Riccio’s help, calling him her “rock, best friend, and greatest supporter.”
“He’s very supportive of me building my career success because he built a very successful business himself,” she said.
Career, Marriage, and Motherhood
A few months after getting engaged on Christmas 2023, the couple welcomed their son, Nicholas Robert Riccio, into the world on July 10, 2024.
Leavitt shared her joy at becoming a mother on Instagram after giving birth, writing:
The adage “there is nothing comparable to the love you feel for your child” is accurate. My heart has expanded beyond my wildest expectations. The greatest blessing is a baby, and I am so grateful for our lovely, content, and healthy boy.
She also discussed in her interview how her husband has accepted the chaos of her hectic work life.
He is the best father I could ever hope for, and he is the father of my child. Additionally, he is incredibly helpful, particularly during a very trying time in life. “I entered your life and it has been a circus ever since,” I say, but he is totally on board, so God bless him.
A Personal Companion in a Public Life
Despite being a well-known public figure, Riccio would rather remain anonymous. In a social media post, she acknowledged this dynamic and described him as the total opposite of her and an introvert.
“He’s my biggest fan, the best father, and the best man I’ve ever met, but I respect his privacy on here.”
She underlined that despite his private life, he continues to be her staunchest ally, supporting her political aspirations while remaining out of the spotlight.
Leavitt is thankful for her husband’s and their expanding family’s unwavering support as she continues to juggle her roles as a mother, wife, and political figure.
