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Karoline Leavitt | Source: Getty Images
Karoline Leavitt | Source: Getty Images

Inside Karoline Leavitt's Family Life – Meet Her Husband, 32 Years Older, and Their Baby

Dorcus Osongo
May 06, 2026
12:06 P.M.

Karoline Leavitt's rise in politics happened alongside major milestones in her personal life. From motherhood to marriage, the White House press secretary is embracing a busy but deeply rewarding chapter.

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Karoline Leavitt was first noticed because of her rapid rise in conservative politics, but now, fans have become equally fascinated by her personal life. Here is a dive into her married life, professional commitments, sleepless nights with a newborn, and now preparing for baby number two.

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Becoming the Youngest White House Press Secretary

Leavitt may spend her days navigating one of the most high-pressure jobs in politics, but behind the White House podium is a much softer side to her life. In November 2024, following Donald Trump's presidential victory, Leavitt was officially appointed as the youngest-ever White House Press Secretary.

The major career milestone was one she celebrated publicly on Instagram, where she reflected on the people who helped her reach that moment. "Thank you, President Trump, for believing in me," she wrote.

Karoline Leavitt speaks during the daily news briefing at the James Brady Press Briefing Room in Washington, DC on October 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Karoline Leavitt speaks during the daily news briefing at the James Brady Press Briefing Room in Washington, DC on October 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

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She also voiced her gratitude to her support system, "Thank you to my family and friends for always supporting me. Thank you to my son for humbling me and serving as a constant reminder of what's most important. Thank you, God, for everything."

Even as her national profile grew, Leavitt made clear that motherhood and family remained at the center of her life.

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Her Marriage to Nicholas Riccio Turned, and Their Age Gap

Leavitt's husband, Nicholas Riccio, has also attracted public attention — especially because he is 32 years older than she. Leavitt is 28 years old, while Riccio is 60. Despite the noticeable age difference, the couple's relationship has continued to thrive.

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During an interview shared on YouTube, Leavitt explained that they first met during her congressional campaign in New Hampshire through a mutual friend. That mutual friend hosted an event at his restaurant where Leavitt was scheduled to speak, and Riccio happened to be invited as well.

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The couple's introduction eventually sparked a romance. Leavitt admitted she was initially hesitant because of the age gap. Still, she later realized Riccio had become much more than a romantic partner.

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She described him as her "greatest supporter," her "rock," and her "best friend." According to Leavitt, Nicholas Riccio had already built a successful career in real estate before they met, which allowed him to fully support her professional ambitions while she focused on building her own future.

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She Took on a Major Campaign Role While Pregnant

Before stepping into the White House press secretary role, Leavitt worked as Trump's national press secretary during the 2024 campaign. When she worked for the Trump campaign, she was pregnant for much of it.

In a feature interview, Leavitt revealed she was only a few weeks pregnant when Trump campaign co-managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita offered her the position.

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She felt it was important to tell them the truth immediately. "Knowing I was going to have a baby in the middle of a presidential campaign — which, I found out, is no easy thing to do — they couldn't have been more accepting and welcoming of me," she explained.

The support meant a great deal to Leavitt, especially because the campaign role would soon become one of the most demanding experiences of her life.

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By then, she had already built an impressive political résumé. She previously worked in the Trump administration, served under Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, and even managed her own congressional campaign social media strategy entirely on her own during her 2022 run for Congress.

Although she lost the election to Democrat Chris Pappas, the campaign changed her life both professionally and personally. Leavitt has also worked in consulting and sales and even filled in as a radio host. In all these roles, she gave her best, which attracted more lucrative offers.

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She Returned to Work Just Days After Giving Birth

Leavitt gave birth to her son, Nicholas "Niko" Robert Riccio, in July 2024. Only three days after Leavitt welcomed her son, the attempted assassination of Trump took place in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. The shocking moment dramatically altered her maternity leave plans.

As explained during an interview, Leavitt decided to return to work almost immediately as Trump's national press secretary because she felt the campaign needed her during a critical moment. She stated that as Trump was fighting for the presidency, she felt compelled to work as soon as possible.

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While the decision was difficult, she later explained that becoming a mother gave her a different perspective during the chaos. She learned to prioritize her time more carefully and leaned on her family and friends for assistance whenever possible.

Even amid the pressure of campaign life and nonstop headlines, Leavitt has repeatedly said that her son grounded her emotionally.

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Becoming a Mother Changed Everything

Motherhood immediately reshaped Leavitt's priorities, even while her political responsibilities intensified. She struggled emotionally with balancing work and caring for a newborn.

"Leaving the baby every day to go to work, it does break your heart. It's incredibly challenging emotionally, physically, spiritually," Leavitt admitted.

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She acknowledged that stepping away from politics entirely was an option. "It would have been a lot easier for me to respectfully decline this job offer and enjoy this past year in the peace and comfort of my previous job," she said, referring to her role as the national press secretary for Trump's campaign.

Still, she pushed forward while relying heavily on her support system. Her husband remained actively involved, while her parents and close friends also stepped in to help whenever needed. Leavitt's mother even left her yoga studio job in New Hampshire to help care for her son while campaign demands intensified.

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Leavitt Is Now Expecting Baby Number Two

Now, Karoline Leavitt is preparing for another major family milestone. She is pregnant with her second child. She recently shared a sweet post that featured two emotional images.

In one, Leavitt rested a hand on her baby bump while her son pointed toward something outside the frame. The cover photo showed her smiling beneath glowing sunlight as she gently cradled her stomach.

Nicholas "Niko" Robert Riccio and Karoline Leavitt, from a post dated May 1, 2026 | Source: Instagram/karolineleavitt

Nicholas "Niko" Robert Riccio and Karoline Leavitt, from a post dated May 1, 2026 | Source: Instagram/karolineleavitt

"There is no greater blessing than motherhood. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise 🤍," she captioned the post. The baby will be a girl and will mark the couple's second child together after marrying in 2025.

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Leavitt also recently addressed reporters about stepping away temporarily as she nears her due date. "This will likely be my last gaggle for some time. As you can see," she joked while referencing her pregnancy, "I'm about ready to have a baby any minute, so I will see you guys very soon."

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She then added humor to the moment by teasing reporters about Trump's widely discussed personal phone number leak. "I know all of you have the president's phone number personally, so I have no doubt that you will have a shortage of statements and news from this building while I'm gone," she mused.

Fans Are Loving Her Family Photos

As Leavitt continues sharing glimpses of motherhood online, supporters have flooded her social media pages with affectionate messages about her growing family. Some comments focused on her bond with baby Niko.

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One admirer sweetly wrote, "So cute, baby and mom." Others praised the entire family dynamic. "You have a beautiful family. We LOVE you Karoline.❤️👏🏻," one supporter commented. Another fan admired both mother and son, writing, "Very beautiful mother and very beautiful baby 😍."

Leavitt's story has unfolded at an unusually fast pace. In just a few years, she has gone from congressional candidate to White House press secretary while also becoming a wife and mother of two young children.

Through campaign rallies, late-night briefings, and newborn feedings, she has openly shared both the ambition and emotional weight that come with trying to balance public service and family life. And for many supporters watching online, it is exactly that balancing act that makes her story feel so relatable.

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