Karoline Leavitt is the youngest White House Press Secretary in U.S. history. Her position guarantees her presence in front of the media every day. She is constantly in front of the camera as the face of the administration and visits News channels to keep the president’s point of view.
It’s been a few months since Karoline got the job, and one would imagine that she has learned to take the political and professional jabs well.
However, there is another topic on which Leavitt faces severe media scrutiny, and that is her marriage. Karoline Leavitt is married to Nicholas Riccio, who is 32 years senior to her.
Though age-gap relationships are not that big of a taboo these days, the age gap between Leavitt and Riccio is rather big. Her position in politics and media doesn’t help either.
There have been comments, memes and social media commentary on her marriage and the difference between their age. However, Karoline has faced all those comments head-on. She has defended her relationship and always provided Riccio with support for her career.
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
However, one can notice a shift in recent months. Leavitt’s social media accounts once featured Riccio regularly. There were several pictures of happy couples at events, campaign trails, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their life. However, her account has largely gone quiet.
Since then, her feeds have focused more on her political activities. One can find several pictures and updates about various press briefings, as well as moments with colleagues. Yet her husband remains largely absent.
Karoline is such an awesome White House Press Secretary!! In an interview with Megyn Kelly, Karoline Leavitt share the story of how their romance began! She explained, “I met my husband during my congressional campaign. A mutual friend hosted an event at a restaurant he owns in… pic.twitter.com/RQ8I2NeSes
— 🕊 𝓐𝓷𝓷 𝓲𝓼 𝓡𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 🕊 𝐗𝐋𝐕 (@Ann_Lilyflower) March 19, 2025
The silence has prompted speculation about whether the intense public ridicule is the reason Riccio is no longer a part of her social media presence.
Karoline Leavitt has previously addressed the fact that Riccio is not very fond of social media. She has also described him as a private individual who is uninterested in public attention. This could explain his absence from her feed. She might be excluding him from her social media account out of respect for him and his preferences.
However, one can’t help but be suspicious if the timing of this shift is due to brutal online jokes and memes about their relationship. Many people have ridiculed Riccio’s age and their dynamics.
Karoline Leavitt, 27, married a 60 year old Real Estate developer in 2023 and promptly had a child. I’m sure his money had nothing to do with it.
At least we know how she got the job now.
Nicholas Ricco was 32 when Leavitt was born and 51 when she graduated high school.
At… pic.twitter.com/v5McmsQfnH
— Ryan Shead (@RyanShead) January 29, 2025
Some observers see this as a strategic form of damage control. By removing him from her visible public image, Leavitt could be attempting to shift focus away from her personal life and back onto her professional accomplishments.
Others argue that the change is a necessary shield. Especially as Karoline Leavitt is under immense pressure due to her position in the administration, and negative publicity could be devastating for the President Donald Trump and government.
Despite the dip in Riccio’s public appearances, Leavitt has not stopped talking to her husband in public. In interviews and speeches, she continues to describe him as her “greatest supporter” and credits him with being a stabilizing force behind her career and personal resilience.
This delicate balancing act between personal privacy and public image reflects the broader challenge faced by public figures in the digital age. While Leavitt may be readjusting her social media presence in response to criticism, her dedication to her marriage suggests that her relationship remains a foundational part of her life.
