If you've spent any time watching the White House press briefings lately, you know Karoline Leavitt doesn't back down from a fight. She’s sharp, she’s fast, and at 28, she’s the youngest press secretary in the history of the United States. But while her political sparring matches get the headlines, people are becoming increasingly obsessed with her life behind the podium. Specifically, everyone is asking the same question: how old is Karoline Leavitt's husband?
It's a valid curiosity. In a world where every detail of a public figure's life is scrutinized, her marriage stands out. It isn't your typical D.C. power-couple narrative.
The Number Everyone is Talking About
Let’s get straight to the point because I know that's why you're here. Karoline Leavitt’s husband is Nicholas Riccio, and he is 60 years old.
If you're doing the math in your head, yes, that is a 32-year age gap.
Karoline was born in 1997. Nicholas was born around 1965. When they first crossed paths in 2022, she was just 25 and he was 57. It’s the kind of age difference that makes people do a double-take, especially in the high-stakes, traditional world of national politics. Honestly, Karoline is well aware of how "atypical" it looks to the outside world. She’s even joked about it in interviews, calling their relationship an "unusual" love story.
But for them, it seems to work.
How a Real Estate Mogul Met a Rising Political Star
They didn't meet at a fancy gala in Washington. Nope. They met in New Hampshire while Karoline was in the middle of her 2022 congressional campaign.
At the time, she was working day and night to win a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Nicholas, a self-made real estate developer with a massive portfolio in the Granite State, was invited to a campaign event by a mutual friend. The event was held at a restaurant Nicholas actually owned.
Talk about a power move.
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- The First Meeting: 2022 during her New Hampshire campaign.
- The Dynamic: He was an established businessman; she was a 25-year-old firebrand.
- The Connection: They started as friends before things got serious.
Nicholas isn't just some guy with a few rental properties. He’s the head of Riccio Enterprises and is basically a local legend in Hampton Beach. He owns more than 15 buildings there. But he didn't start with a silver spoon. Far from it.
Nicholas Riccio's "Rags to Riches" Story
Before he was Karoline Leavitt's husband, Nicholas had a pretty rough start. He’s been open about the fact that he experienced homelessness when he was 18. Imagine that. One of the wealthiest developers in the area used to call his friends just so he could go over to their houses to "watch a game"—but really, he just needed to use their shower.
He put himself through Plymouth State University by stocking grocery shelves. He even slept in his car at times because he couldn't afford rent.
That grit is probably why he doesn't care about the social media noise. Karoline has described him as a total introvert. He doesn't have Instagram. He doesn't have X (formerly Twitter). He basically hides from the spotlight that his wife lives in every single day.
A Fast-Track Timeline: Baby, Engagement, and a White House Wedding
Their relationship didn't exactly simmer on low heat. It moved fast.
By Christmas 2023, Nicholas was down on one knee. Karoline posted the proposal on Instagram—one of the few times he’s actually appeared on her feed—calling him the "man of my dreams."
Then things got even busier.
In July 2024, they welcomed their first child, a son named Nicholas Robert Riccio, whom they call "Niko." If you're keeping track of the calendar, this means Karoline was balancing a high-level role in a presidential campaign while being a new mom.
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The wedding didn't happen until January 2025.
They tied the knot at the Wentworth By the Sea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire. It was a private, stunning ceremony held just days before Donald Trump’s second inauguration. By the time Karoline took the podium as Press Secretary, she was officially Mrs. Riccio.
Dealing With the "Age Gap" Critics
You can't have a 32-year age difference in the public eye without people talking. And boy, do they talk.
Social media is full of people making "grandpa" jokes or questioning the motives behind the marriage. Some critics on X have even snarked that she "dresses her husband's age."
Karoline’s response? She basically ignores it, or addresses it with total bluntness. During an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show in early 2025, she admitted she had some hesitation about the age gap at first. She told her parents, Bob and Erin, and it wasn't exactly an easy conversation. They were "challenged" by the news initially.
But she describes Nicholas as her "rock."
Because he’s already built his empire, he doesn't feel threatened by her success. While she’s at the White House dealing with a room full of shouting reporters, he’s back home being a "hands-on father" to Niko.
What This Means for Her Career
Actually, being married to someone much older might be Karoline's secret weapon. Think about the pressure of her job. She is the face of the administration. She faces constant scrutiny. Having a husband who is financially independent and 60 years old means she has a partner who isn't trying to climb the same ladder she is.
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He’s already been there. He’s done the "living in a car" phase and the "building a multimillion-dollar business" phase.
In December 2025, it was announced that Karoline is expecting baby number two. This will make her the first-ever pregnant White House Press Secretary to serve in the role.
Understanding the Couple's Net Worth
While Karoline's salary is public record (roughly $180,000 to $200,000 depending on the current budget), Nicholas brings the real "wealth" to the table.
- Real Estate: Over 15 prime properties in Hampton Beach.
- Business: Riccio Enterprises and Nautical Beach Properties.
- Estimated Net Worth: Most reports pin him at around $6 million.
He actually helped fund her 2022 congressional bid. While she lost that race, it clearly won her a husband and a path to the West Wing.
Why the Interest Persists
People search for "how old is Karoline Leavitt's husband" because it breaks the mold. We are used to seeing political spouses who look like they were cast for a movie—perfectly matched in age and aesthetic.
Karoline and Nicholas are different. He’s a silver-haired developer from New Hampshire who prefers to stay in the background. She’s a Gen Z powerhouse who thrives in the spotlight.
It’s a dynamic that clearly works for them, even if it keeps the internet whispering.
If you're following Karoline Leavitt’s career, keep an eye on her Instagram for the rare "Niko and Nick" updates. While he may be 60, Nicholas Riccio is clearly keeping up with the "circus" that is life with the youngest Press Secretary in history.
Next Steps for You
- Check the Official Records: If you're curious about their real estate holdings, you can look up Riccio Enterprises in New Hampshire business filings.
- Watch the Megyn Kelly Interview: For a deeper look at Karoline's personal thoughts on the age gap, her February 2025 appearance is the most candid she’s ever been.
- Follow the Briefings: Watch how she handles the "work-life balance" questions as she prepares for her second child while serving in the White House.