Karoline Leavitt is suddenly attracting considerably more attention outside the political world.
The White House press secretary is stepping down from her role at the end of August 2026, according to an announcement from President Donald Trump on August 12.
Leavitt said the decision came down to family, following the birth of her second child earlier this year.
But Leavitt has long been connected to another name outside politics which is her husband Nicholas Riccio.
Who Is Karoline Leavitt’s Husband?
Karoline Leavitt’s husband is Nicholas Riccio, a real estate developer from New Hampshire.
The couple married in January 2025 in a private ceremony at Wentworth By The Sea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire.
The wedding took place just days before Trump’s second inauguration.
Leavitt later shared photos from the day on Instagram, including one of the couple posing beneath a neon sign reading “The Riccio’s.”
Their relationship has generally remained less publicly scrutinized than Leavitt’s professional life, though that has started to change.
How Did Karoline Leavitt Meet Her Husband?
Leavitt and Riccio met in 2022. At the time, Leavitt was running for a congressional seat in New Hampshire’s 1st District.
A mutual friend hosted a campaign event at a restaurant Riccio owns in New Hampshire where Leavitt was invited as a speaker. They were eventually introduced there as friends.
“I mean it’s a very atypical love story, but he’s incredible,” Leavitt said during a February 2025 appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show. “He is my greatest supporter, he’s my best friend and he’s my rock.”
Leavitt ultimately lost that congressional race to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas.
The relationship, however, continued well beyond the campaign.
Riccio proposed on December 25, 2023, in New Hampshire.
What Is Karoline Leavitt’s Age Gap With Her Husband?
Leavitt and Riccio have a 32-year age gap.
Leavitt was born in 1997 and is currently 28, whereas Riccio was born decades earlier and is currently 60.
Leavitt has been open about how unusual the gap seemed to people around her, including her own parents.
She has said conversations about the relationship were difficult at first.
“It’s definitely a challenging conversation to have at first,” Leavitt told Miranda Devine’s Pod Force One podcast.
She added that her parents came around once they got to know Riccio’s character.
Leavitt has also faced public criticism over the age difference, including jokes from commentators and social media users.
She has generally responded by pointing to Riccio’s support for her career and his role in their family.
Was Nicholas Riccio Married Before His Wedding With Karoline?
No. Multiple reports indicate the marriage was a first for both Leavitt and Riccio.
Online speculation has occasionally suggested otherwise. But no credible reporting has confirmed a prior marriage for Riccio.
Talking about Riccio, he grew up in Hudson, New Hampshire, one of four children. He attended Plymouth State University.
He experienced financial insecurity as a young adult, before eventually building a career in real estate.
Is Karoline Leavitt’s Husband Wealthy?
To an extent, yes.
Riccio’s wealth comes almost entirely from real estate, built gradually over three decades.
Most published estimates put his net worth at approximately $6 million. That figure traces back to Realtor.com and has been cited across multiple outlets covering the couple.
How Many Children Does Karoline Leavitt & Nicholas Riccio Have?
Karoline Leavitt and Nicholas Riccio have two children together. Their children are:
- Nicholas Robert “Niko” Riccio, born July 10, 2024
- Viviana “Vivi” Riccio, born May 1, 2026
Leavitt returned to work within days of Niko’s birth, on the same day as an assassination attempt against Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
She announced Viviana’s birth on Instagram on May 7, 2026, calling her daughter “perfect and healthy.”
Leavitt became the first White House press secretary in history to give birth while serving in the role.
Did Karoline Leavitt Have Her Baby Before Marriage?
Yes, Leavitt and Riccio welcomed their first child, Niko, in July 2024 which was around six months before their wedding in January 2025 .
Leavitt, who has described her Catholic faith as a significant part of her life, has spoken openly about the timeline.
She has credited Riccio with being fully supportive throughout, describing him as “the best dad I could ever ask for.”
Their engagement followed shortly after Niko’s birth. Their wedding followed shortly after that. The pregnancy, engagement and marriage all fell within about a year and a half of each other.
Karoline Leavitt & Nicholas Riccio At A Glance
Husband: Nicholas Riccio
Married: January 2025
Age gap: 32 years
Children: Two
Son: Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio
Daughter: Viviana “Vivi” Riccio
Husband’s profession: Real estate developer, Riccio Enterprises LLC
Husband’s estimated net worth: Approximately $6 million
Latest news: Stepping down as White House press secretary at the end of August 2026
FAQ
Who introduced Karoline Leavitt to her husband?
A mutual friend introduced the couple in 2022. The friend invited Riccio to a campaign event where Leavitt was speaking, held at a restaurant he owns in New Hampshire.
Why did Karoline Leavitt marry someone so much older?
Leavitt has said the relationship developed naturally, despite the age difference. She has described Riccio as her biggest supporter and closest confidant.
Also Read: How Much Is Karoline Leavitt’s Net Worth In 2026?
