White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is once again facing online scrutiny over her 32-year age gap with husband Nicholas Riccio after a viral post pointed out his age in relation to her mother.
Keep reading to learn more.
The discussion erupted after journalist Patrick Howley shared that Karoline Leavitt’s mother, Erin, was just 12 years old when Riccio graduated from high school. The comparison quickly spread across social media, where critics mocked the couple’s relationship and questioned their significant age difference.
Many commenters described the age gap as “bizarre,” with some joking that Leavitt had “married a grandpa,” while others accused her of marrying for financial reasons. Several users also criticized her parents, wondering why they supported the relationship, while others used the discussion to make political jabs about her role in the Trump administration.
Leavitt has previously acknowledged their relationship is “atypical”
Leavitt, now 28, married the 60-year-old real estate developer in January 2025, shortly before President Donald Trump began his second term.
The couple first met during Leavitt’s 2022 congressional campaign in New Hampshire after a mutual friend introduced them at a political event.
Speaking on The Megyn Kelly Show earlier this year, Leavitt admitted she initially hesitated because of their age difference.
“I mean, it’s a very atypical love story,” she said.
Despite her reservations, she said Riccio quickly became her closest confidant.
“He is incredible,” Leavitt said. “He is my best friend, and he’s my rock.”
She also praised him for embracing the demanding lifestyle that came with her political career, joking that his life became “a circus” after they met.
Leavitt again spoke positively about her husband during a June appearance on Fox & Friends, where she revealed she returned to work just weeks after giving birth because Riccio handles overnight childcare responsibilities.
She credited him with helping her balance motherhood and one of the country’s most demanding political jobs, saying his support allowed her to return to the White House with confidence.
Not everyone was impressed. One person wrote, “t’s transactional. He can’t do better and she can’t do worse.” Another added scathingly, “Good news. Once’s she’s done changing diapers for her kid, her husband will be transitioning into them. Seamless transition for her”
Others pointed out the immense privilege the couple had due to their wealth, which probably made their lives a lot easier. One person wrote, “Karoline Leavitt went to an expensive private high school, then worked in the White House immediately out of college, then married a billionaire her daddy’s age. What kind of spoon is that?”
While others were angered by the sentiments expressed, with one person responding, “Oh dear did a person benefit from a family with resources enough to school her properly? Then what did that woman do? Become the youngest and one of the best WH SPOX ever. How dare she marry a rich guy after all that.”
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