White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is once again under online scrutiny due to her 32-year age difference with husband Nicholas Riccio after a viral post highlighted his age in relation to her mother.
Keep reading to discover more.
The conversation began after journalist Patrick Howley noted that Karoline Leavitt’s mother, Erin, was merely 12 years old when Riccio completed high school. This comparison rapidly circulated on social media, where critics ridiculed the couple’s relationship and questioned their considerable age gap.
Numerous commenters labeled the age difference as “bizarre,” with some humorously suggesting that Leavitt had “married a grandpa,” while others alleged that her marriage was motivated by financial gain. Several individuals also criticized her parents, questioning their support for the relationship, while others took the opportunity to make political remarks regarding her position in the Trump administration.
Leavitt has previously recognized that their relationship is “atypical.”
Leavitt, now 28, wed the 60-year-old real estate developer in January 2025, shortly before President Donald Trump commenced his second term.
The couple first crossed paths during Leavitt’s 2022 congressional campaign in New Hampshire after a mutual acquaintance introduced them at a political gathering.
Speaking on The Megyn Kelly Show earlier this year, Leavitt confessed she initially had reservations due to their age difference.
“I mean, it’s a very atypical love story,” she remarked.
Despite her doubts, she stated that Riccio quickly became her closest confidant.
“He is incredible,” Leavitt expressed. “He is my best friend, and he’s my rock.”
She also commended him for adapting to the demanding lifestyle associated with her political career, humorously noting that his life turned into “a circus” after they met.
Leavitt again spoke fondly about her husband during a June appearance on Fox & Friends, where she disclosed that she returned to work just weeks after giving birth because Riccio took on overnight childcare duties.
She credited him with assisting her in balancing motherhood and one of the nation’s most challenging political roles, stating that his support enabled her to return to the White House with confidence.
Not everyone was impressed. One individual commented, “It’s transactional. He can’t do better and she can’t do worse.” Another sarcastically added, “Good news. Once she’s done changing diapers for her kid, her husband will be transitioning into them. Seamless transition for her.”
Others highlighted the considerable privilege the couple enjoyed due to their wealth, which likely made their lives significantly easier. One person remarked, “Karoline Leavitt attended an expensive private high school, then worked in the White House right after college, and then married a billionaire her father’s age. What kind of spoon is that?”
Meanwhile, others expressed anger at the sentiments conveyed, with one person responding, “Oh dear, did a person benefit from a family with enough resources to provide her with a proper education? 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.”