Who Is Karoline Leavitt’s Husband, Nicholas Riccio?
Karoline Leavitt’s husband, Nicholas Riccio, is more than just the partner of the youngest White House press secretary in American history. He is a successful businessman, a proud father, and an important figure in a relationship that has drawn attention across the country. From their first meeting during a political campaign to their wedding just before President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, their life together is a mix of personal dedication and public visibility.
Most people know Karoline Leavitt for her fast rise in politics, her confident approach in the press briefing room, and her groundbreaking achievement as a young woman in a high-profile role. Behind that success is a man with his own story of hard work, ambition, and resilience. Learning about Nicholas Riccio offers a deeper look into the life of the couple and the foundation of their relationship.
Early Life and Career of Nicholas Riccio
Nicholas Riccio grew up in Hudson, New Hampshire, as one of four children in a close-knit family. He attended Plymouth State University, but his time in college was not without struggles. Financial challenges made those years difficult, yet they also fueled his determination to achieve success later in life. After completing his studies, Riccio enrolled in a real estate course that would set the direction for his future.
His first years in the real estate industry required patience and persistence. Over time, his business sense and work ethic paid off. Riccio became the founder of Riccio Enterprises, a real estate company that grew steadily under his leadership. Today, he owns more than fifteen buildings in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. Many of these properties are rented to families and vacationers, giving him a steady and reliable business. His professional success meant that by the time he met Karoline Leavitt, he was in a position to focus more on personal life and supporting her growing career.
How They Met
Karoline Leavitt and Nicholas Riccio first met in 2022 when she was campaigning for a seat in the United States Congress. A mutual friend invited both of them to a political event at a restaurant in New Hampshire. Leavitt was there as a guest speaker, while Riccio attended as part of the audience. Their first meeting was friendly and professional rather than romantic. At the time, Leavitt was 25 years old and focused on her campaign, and Riccio was already an established businessman.
Over time, their friendship developed into something more. What began as a professional connection turned into a personal relationship built on shared values, mutual respect, and a willingness to see beyond conventional expectations.
A Relationship with a 32-Year Age Gap
One of the most talked-about aspects of their relationship is the 32-year age difference between them. Riccio is 59 years old, while Leavitt is 27. From the beginning, Leavitt has been open about the fact that their relationship does not fit the typical mold. She has described it as unusual but deeply rewarding. In interviews, she has explained that Riccio’s life experience and business accomplishments allow him to support her ambitions without competing priorities. This balance has helped her manage the intense demands of her political role.
Becoming Parents
In July 2024, Karoline Leavitt and her husband welcomed their first child, a son named Nicholas Robert Riccio Jr., affectionately called Niko. His arrival brought joy to their lives, but also came during a challenging period in national politics. Only three days after Niko’s birth, former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. The event led Leavitt to cut her maternity leave short and return to the White House immediately. Her decision to step back into her role so quickly was made easier by Riccio’s commitment to caring for their newborn.
Leavitt often speaks of Riccio as a loving and dedicated father. On Niko’s first birthday in July 2025, she shared a heartfelt post on social media, expressing her gratitude for the joy he had brought to their family.
The Proposal and Wedding
The couple’s engagement took place on Christmas Day in 2023. Riccio proposed in New Hampshire in a private moment that was later shared with the public through Leavitt’s Instagram. It was the first time many people learned about their relationship, as the couple had kept their romance largely out of the public eye until then.
Their wedding was held in January 2025, just days before President Trump’s second inauguration. The ceremony took place at the Wentworth By the Sea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire. It was an intimate yet significant occasion, coming at a moment when both personal and political events were unfolding rapidly in their lives.
Life in the Public Eye
Being married to the White House press secretary means that Nicholas Riccio often finds himself in the public spotlight. While he continues to run his real estate business, he also plays a central role in supporting his wife through the demands of political life. Friends and colleagues describe him as someone who values privacy but understands the nature of her work and the attention it brings. Balancing life as a businessman, husband, and father while navigating public attention requires patience and perspective, qualities Riccio is known to possess.
Why Their Story Matters
The story of Karoline Leavitt and her husband stands out because it challenges expectations. Their significant age gap, their ability to manage high-pressure careers while raising a young child, and their willingness to face public scrutiny head-on make them a couple people want to know more about. Their journey reflects themes of perseverance, mutual support, and the idea that love can develop in unexpected ways.
Final Thoughts
Karoline Leavitt’s husband, Nicholas Riccio, is a man whose story is worth knowing. From his modest beginnings in New Hampshire to his success in real estate and his role as a supportive partner and father, Riccio brings stability and experience to a relationship that exists in the fast-paced world of American politics. Together, Leavitt and Riccio have built a life that blends personal commitment with public service. As she continues to make her mark in history, it is clear that Riccio will remain a steady presence at her side.
In other celebrity news, actress Zara Noor Abbas made headlines after a heated exchange at a restaurant, reminding everyone, “Don’t argue with a toddler’s mother.”
