Karoline Leavitt isn’t letting online critics dictate how she feels about her marriage. And she has a heartfelt message for anyone else navigating a relationship with a significant age gap.
Keep reading to learn more.
The 29-year-old former White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, recently opened up about her relationship with her husband, real estate developer Nicholas Riccio, 61, during a rare Instagram Q&A. When one follower asked what advice she would give women in age-gap relationships, Leavitt made it clear that she wasn’t interested in listening to the haters.
“Forget the haters and follow your heart!” she replied.
She then shared just how strongly she feels about the man she married, adding, “Marrying this man was the best decision I ever made. He’s the absolute best husband and dad in the world.”
Leavitt also suggested that people who get to know the couple in person often understand their relationship better than those judging them from behind a screen.
“Everyone gets why we are together when they actually meet him and see us together,” she explained.
A Relationship That Has Faced Plenty Of Public Scrutiny
Leavitt and Riccio first met in 2022, when she was 25 and running for Congress in New Hampshire. Their relationship eventually led to marriage in January 2025, shortly before she took on the role of White House press secretary under President Donald Trump.
The couple share two children: their son, Niko, and their daughter, Viviana, who was born in May.
With a 32-year age difference between them, their relationship has naturally attracted attention online. But Leavitt’s response suggests she isn’t interested in letting strangers’ opinions overshadow her own experience of marriage.
And she has previously spoken warmly about the support Riccio has given her, particularly as her career has demanded major changes for their family.
The Sacrifice Her Husband Made For Their Family
On her final day as White House press secretary, Leavitt praised Riccio for making significant adjustments to support her professional life.
“He has been just an angel and a blessing to me and my kids,” she said, describing how he had moved to Washington, D.C., despite being unfamiliar with the city.
She continued by explaining that he had “given up a lot” to make the move possible and had taken a step back from his own career to be there for her.
For Leavitt, the comments offered a glimpse into a side of their relationship that social media debates about their age difference might overlook; the practical decisions, compromises and support that come with building a family together.
“I Don’t Have Free Time”
Leavitt is also preparing for a new chapter in her professional life. She is set to join Fox News as an on-air contributor in November, but for now, she says her focus is on spending time with her young children.
When another follower asked what she does in her free time, her answer was candid.
“Ha ha,” she responded. “I don’t have free time. As a mom of two littles, I’m lucky if I can take a shower in peace.”
Still, she made it clear that she wouldn’t trade this stage of her life for anything.
“But it’s the season of life I’m in and I wouldn’t have it any other way!!!!” she added.
Her response struck a familiar chord for parents of young children who know that even the simplest everyday tasks can become a challenge when little ones need constant attention.
The Career Advice She Wants Young People To Hear
The Instagram Q&A wasn’t just about marriage and motherhood. Leavitt also shared advice for people hoping to follow a career path in politics or communications.
Her biggest recommendation? Get real-world experience as early as possible.
“My advice to people who want to get into politics or comms is to get real world experience when you’re in college,” she said. “You’ll be taught a lot of things in the classroom, but work experience is where you’re really going to learn the game.”
Leavitt revealed that she once interned at NBC Sports Boston because she initially hoped to become a sideline sports reporter, a reminder that career paths don’t always begin where people expect them to.
She encouraged aspiring professionals to apply for internships, embrace opportunities and use their summers to gain practical experience rather than relying exclusively on classroom learning.
“Just try to apply for internships, say yes to every opportunity that you can and don’t spend your summers hanging out, spend your summers working and gaining that real world experience, which will help you later in your career,” she advised.
Karoline Leavitt likes to talk about her role in her home, and her duties beyond those of her career.
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