If you’ve been watching the White House briefings lately, you know Karoline Leavitt doesn't back down. At 28, she’s the youngest Press Secretary in U.S. history, but while she’s dodging verbal haymakers in the Brady Room, people back home are mostly googling one thing. They want to know about her personal life. Specifically, they're curious about Nicholas Riccio, the man she calls her "rock" and the father of her children.
Honestly, the internet has been a bit obsessed with their "atypical" setup. It isn't just that he’s a successful businessman; it's the 32-year age gap that usually makes people double-take.
Who Is Nicholas Riccio?
Nicholas Riccio isn't some political operative or a D.C. insider. Far from it. He’s a self-made real estate developer from New Hampshire who basically built an empire from nothing. We're talking about a guy who actually experienced homelessness when he was 18. He’s mentioned in past interviews how he used to call up friends just to ask if he could come over to watch a game—mostly so he could use their shower.
That kind of background builds a specific type of grit.
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Eventually, he worked his way through Plymouth State University by stocking grocery shelves. He took a real estate course in the 90s, and that was the spark. Today, he runs Riccio Enterprises and Nautical Beach Properties, owning a massive chunk of Hampton Beach. His net worth is estimated to be around $6 million, which is impressive considering where he started.
How They Met (It wasn't a blind date)
The couple met back in 2022. Karoline was running for Congress in New Hampshire at the time. She was only 25, and he was 57. A mutual friend who owned a restaurant hosted a campaign event and invited Nicholas.
They didn't just dive into a romance. They were friends first.
Karoline has been pretty open about the fact that she was hesitant at first because of the age difference. It’s a big gap—three decades is a whole different generation. But she eventually realized that his stability was exactly what she needed. While she’s out there in the "circus" of national politics, he’s the one providing the steady ground.
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The Marriage and Growing Family
Despite the noise from critics, the two have moved fast. They got engaged on Christmas in 2023 and had their first child, a son named Nicholas "Niko" Robert Riccio, in July 2024.
The wedding happened in January 2025 at the Wentworth By the Sea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire. It was just days before Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Imagine trying to plan a wedding while preparing to become the voice of the White House.
Recently, the couple shared even bigger news: they are expecting their second child. This makes Karoline the first-ever pregnant White House Press Secretary.
Dealing with the "Age Gap" Backlash
People on social media can be brutal. You've probably seen the comments. Some people claim she’s only with him for the money; others make snide remarks about him being old enough to be her father.
Karoline’s parents, Bob and Erin, weren't exactly thrilled at first either. She’s admitted that telling them about the relationship was a "challenging conversation."
But she’s leaned into the "opposites attract" dynamic. She calls herself a total extrovert—which you have to be for her job—and describes Nicholas as a massive introvert who "just hates social media." He doesn't have an Instagram or a Twitter. He stays behind the scenes, manages his properties, and takes care of Niko while Karoline is at the podium.
Why This Dynamic Actually Works
In an interview with Megyn Kelly, Karoline explained that Nicholas’s success is actually why their marriage functions so well. He’s already "been there, done that." He’s built his business and doesn't need to chase his own career goals anymore.
This allows him to be the primary caregiver and the "hands-on father" that she needs.
It’s a flip of the traditional script. Usually, it's the older husband working 80 hours a week while the younger wife stays home. Here, Nicholas has the financial freedom to let Karoline chase the high-stress, high-stakes world of D.C. politics.
Key Facts About Nicholas Riccio:
- Age: 60 (as of 2026).
- Career: Owner of Riccio Enterprises LLC.
- Education: Plymouth State University.
- Home Base: New Hampshire.
- Family: Two children (one born 2024, one on the way).
Actionable Insights for the Curious
If you’re following this story, the best thing to do is look past the headlines and see the strategy at play. Karoline Leavitt isn't just a political figure; she’s balancing a very modern, albeit non-traditional, family life.
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Keep an eye on her official social media for updates on the new baby, but don't expect to see much from Nicholas. He’s likely to stay out of the spotlight, which, honestly, is probably the healthiest way to handle being married to one of the most visible women in the country.
Understand that "atypical" doesn't mean "unsuccessful." Whether you agree with her politics or not, the way she’s managed to integrate a high-octane career with a private, supportive family life is a case study in navigating the public eye.