Karoline Leavitt’s marriage hasn’t ceased to make headlines even months after her wedding. The 27-year-old married real estate mogul Nicholas Riccio in January of 2025. The 32-year age gap between Karoline and Nicholas has been spoken about over and over again.
The comments section of Leavitt’s Instagram posts has been filled with criticism about the same age gap. Netizens have been extremely critical of the age gap and even deemed it controversial. The Press Secretary and her husband have been trolled multiple times, with netizens claiming they look more like a father and daughter than an actual couple.
Leavitt and Riccio even share a son, Nico. They welcomed their first child on July 10, 2024. There have been several rumors surrounding their couple’s marriage. A relationship expert even claimed that there was a chance the couple could part ways in the future. Read more to know about the theories surrounding Karoline Leavitt’s marriage.
Leavitt’s Husband Might Be Behind Her Style Glow-Down
Fans and critics alike could not help but notice how the Press Secretary has been dressing much older and how unflattering her style is. The 27-year-old started a debate amongst Reddit users. “She is 27? She looks 40,” one asserted. “That’s because she dresses and does her hair like an older woman because her husband and everyone she works for are pushing 60+,” another added while speculating.
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The same user went on to claim that Leavitt is dressing like someone much older because she is trying to “fit in.” And how she wouldn’t fit in if she dressed her age. Another conspiracy theory about the Press Secretary’s wardrobe choices revolved around her trying to do her best to make the age gap look smaller than it is.
Reddit users have previously claimed that Leavitt “dresses older” in an attempt to take the attention away from her 32-year age gap. “Yeah, in that picture they look pretty well-matched, I wouldn’t have clocked an age gap at all,” one user noted under a picture of Karoline and Nicholas.
Netizens Think Karoline Was Groomed
Netizens have gone off the deep end to even claim that the Press Secretary was groomed by her now husband. “Seems like more daddy issues from MAGA. Also, not 100% sure it is, but this sure has at all the indicators of grooming,” one user wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Another user claimed that it was the Press Secretary’s relationship with her husband that was “super creepy.” The same user claimed that the Press Secretary was groomed by her husband when she was younger.
Karoline Leavitt met her now-husband — 32 years age difference — during her 2022 congressional run in New Hampshire.
He supported her campaign. Then supported her life.Say what you want — but this turned into a beautiful relationship. Age gap, campaign trail… it’s real. pic.twitter.com/GIquCcekEc
— Desiree (@DesireeAmerica4) April 12, 2025
Another user tried guessing where the couple met while noting, “Typically, people get to know each other before marrying.” The user went on to speculate that the couple likely met at the church and got acquainted there. “There are chances that this could be a case of grooming,” the user added.
The theories can be put to rest, considering that Karoline and Nicholas first met in 2022. The Press Secretary was 25 years old when she first crossed paths with her now-husband.
Netizens Are Sure Karoline’s Marriage Won’t Last
Karoline has mentioned time and time again how her husband is extremely supportive and proud of her. She has also revealed that Riccio is extremely supportive of her career as well.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (27) and her husband Nicholas Riccio (59) who was on the finance team for her failed congressional campaign. pic.twitter.com/ufSAClSVDm
— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) January 29, 2025
Louella Anderson, who is a relationship expert, spoke about how the dynamic between the couple could evolve given their age gap. “For example, as Karoline continues to build her career, her husband may be entering a phase where he wants to slow down, travel more, or focus on different priorities,” she told The Mirror.
“If their goals and expectations aren’t continuously discussed and aligned, this could create tension,” the relationship expert claimed.
