If you’ve scrolled through X or caught a snippet of a White House briefing lately, you’ve probably seen the name Nicholas Riccio popping up next to the youngest Press Secretary in history. Honestly, it’s kinda wild how much people are talking about him. Karoline Leavitt is usually the one under the bright lights, but lately, the spotlight has shifted toward the man standing behind her.
Nicholas Riccio, the Karoline Leavitt husband, isn't exactly a D.C. insider. He’s actually a New Hampshire real estate developer who mostly stays out of the fray. He doesn't even have social media. Like, at all. While his wife is out there battling reporters and managing the narrative for the most powerful office on earth, Riccio is basically back home in New England or keeping things quiet in Washington. People have a lot of opinions about them, mostly because of the 32-year age gap. He’s 60. She’s 28. But if you look past the headlines, there’s a much more grounded story about how they actually met and what their life looks like behind the scenes in 2026.
Who is Nicholas Riccio anyway?
So, who is this guy? Nicholas Riccio is a self-made businessman from Hudson, New Hampshire. He didn't start with a silver spoon. Far from it. In fact, he’s talked openly about experiencing homelessness when he was around 18 or 19. Imagine that. One of the most talked-about political spouses today used to call up his buddies just to ask if he could come over to "watch a game" so he could sneak in a shower. He eventually put himself through Plymouth State University by stocking shelves at a local grocery store.
After college, he took a real estate course in 1990 that basically changed everything. He started small, flipping properties in the Hampton Beach area. Now? He’s the owner of Riccio Enterprises and Nautical Beach Properties, with a portfolio of over 15 buildings and an estimated net worth around $6 million. He’s a guy who knows how to build something from nothing. Karoline has called him her "rock," and it’s pretty clear that his financial stability played a role in her early political career. He actually helped fund her 2022 run for Congress.
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How the Karoline Leavitt husband met the Press Secretary
The way they met is actually pretty "Old School" for a Gen Z woman and a Boomer man. No dating apps. No sliding into DMs. They were introduced by a mutual friend at a restaurant in New Hampshire back in 2022. Karoline was in the middle of her first big congressional campaign. Nicholas was invited to the event, they chatted, and they started as friends.
It wasn't an overnight thing. They were "acquainted" for a while before things got serious. Karoline has admitted that her parents, Bob and Erin, were a bit skeptical at first. I mean, can you blame them? Riccio is actually older than Karoline’s mother. That’s a "challenging" conversation for any dinner table. But apparently, once they saw how he treated her, they came around. By Christmas 2023, he was down on one knee.
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A Timeline of Their Relationship:
- 2022: They meet at a political event at a restaurant in New Hampshire.
- December 2023: Engagement happens on Christmas Day.
- July 10, 2024: Their son, Nicholas Robert "Niko" Riccio, is born.
- January 2025: They get married at Wentworth By the Sea Country Club in Rye, NH.
- December 2025: They announce a second baby is on the way.
Dealing with the 32-year age gap
Let’s be real. The age gap is what everyone wants to talk about. It’s "atypical," as Karoline herself puts it. When she went on The Megyn Kelly Show, she didn't shy away from it. She basically said that men her own age weren't as mature or supportive of her high-speed career.
There’s a specific dynamic here that seems to work for them. Because Nicholas has already "made it" in business, he isn't competing with her. He’s not trying to build his own brand. He’s retired or semi-retired, which means he can be the "hands-on" dad while she’s at the podium. In the chaotic world of 2026 politics, having a partner who is totally fine staying in the background is a massive asset. He’s the introvert; she’s the extrovert. It’s a classic "opposites attract" scenario, but with the added layer of a multi-decade age difference.
Life in 2026: Motherhood and the White House
Life hasn't slowed down for them. Right now, Karoline is making history as the first-ever pregnant White House Press Secretary. They’re expecting a baby girl in May 2026. This adds a whole new level of complexity to their lives. Nicholas is reportedly stepping up even more with their son, Niko, to ensure Karoline can keep her focus on her role.
The couple lives a somewhat bicoastal (or at least bi-state) life between D.C. and New Hampshire. While the media often tries to paint their marriage as some kind of calculated move, the people close to them describe it as a very traditional, faith-based partnership. They are practicing Roman Catholics, and Karoline often mentions that their shared faith is what keeps them grounded when the internet gets mean.
What's next for the Riccio-Leavitt family?
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be their biggest year yet. With a new baby on the way and the political heat only rising, Nicholas Riccio is likely to remain the quiet force in the background. He’s managed to keep his private life mostly under wraps despite being married to one of the most visible women in America.
If you're looking for the "scandal" here, you're probably going to be disappointed. It seems to be a story of a self-made guy and a fast-tracked political star who found a rhythm that works for them, even if it looks a bit different from the outside.
Key Takeaways for Following the Story:
- Don't believe every rumor: Much of the "backlash" online comes from people who don't know the couple's history of shared business and political support.
- Watch the milestones: The birth of their daughter in May 2026 will likely be the next time we see Nicholas in the public eye.
- Focus on the professional impact: Riccio’s role as a supportive, stay-at-home-capable father is what allows Leavitt to maintain her grueling schedule.
The best way to stay updated is to keep an eye on Karoline's official announcements, as Nicholas himself is unlikely to ever start a TikTok or post a "day in the life" video. He’s staying in his lane, and honestly, that’s probably why their marriage works so well.
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If you're interested in the logistics of how they balance it all, you can look into the public disclosures regarding presidential staff, which sometimes touch on how family travel and security are handled for high-profile officials. Staying informed on the official channels is the only way to separate the facts from the social media noise.