In the high-stakes, cutthroat arena of American politics, every face, every statement, and every relationship is scrutinized. For Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person ever to hold the title of White House spokesperson, the pressure is immense. Known for her fiery demeanor, her quick retorts, and her unflinching loyalty, she has become a symbol of a new, assertive generation in Washington. But while her public life is on display for the world to see, the true force behind her ascent has remained a captivating secret—a love story that defies convention and has been quietly unfolding behind closed doors. In a recent podcast with American journalist Megyn Kelly, Leavitt opened up about her “special” relationship with her current husband. Leavitt admits “I were initially hesitant because of the age gap”.
The man in question is Nicholas Riccio, a successful real estate mogul who is more than three decades her senior. The sheer scale of their age difference—32 years—is a detail that immediately commands attention, sparking whispers and conversations about the nature of their relationship. But as the full story comes to light, it reveals a partnership built not on power dynamics, but on a shared history of ambition, resilience, and unwavering support. Their story is a modern-day fairy tale set in the unromantic backdrop of Washington D.C., a city where alliances are transactional and loyalty is a commodity.
Their worlds collided during Leavitt’s 2022 campaign for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. While the public saw a young, energetic candidate fighting for her political future, she was meeting a man who would become her most trusted advisor and biggest supporter. Leavitt, who was initially hesitant about the significant age gap, soon found in Riccio a partner who understood the unique pressures and relentless demands of her career. He was a rock in the storm, a confidant who could offer perspective and support without any of the political baggage or rivalries that often plague relationships in the capital. She often jokes: “You came into my life and it became a circus from there.” and said “I’m so lucky to have my husband by my side”.
Nicholas Riccio’s own history is as dramatic as it is inspiring. He is not a man born into privilege; his past is one of immense struggle and hardship. The man who today controls a formidable real estate empire once knew what it was like to be homeless, to have nothing but the clothes on his back and the fierce determination to change his fate. He clawed his way to success through sheer grit, a lesson in resilience that has no doubt influenced his worldview and, by extension, his support for Leavitt’s career. His is a true rags-to-riches story, a testament to the American dream that he now helps his wife pursue on a national stage.
In many ways, their partnership is a study in contrasts. Leavitt is the extrovert, the public face, the one who thrives in the spotlight of the press briefing room. She is a natural in the arena, a master of political theater who can deliver a message with piercing clarity. Riccio, on the other hand, is an introvert. He shuns the spotlight and operates in the quiet, methodical world of real estate, a private mogul who prefers to let his investments do the talking. Yet, this dynamic is precisely what makes their relationship so powerful. He is her sanctuary, the one person she can go to who exists outside the political machine, offering a perspective that is grounded in a life lived far from the glare of the cameras.
The traditional narrative of a powerful woman’s career often focuses on her individual merits and drive. But in this case, the support of a partner who understands the high cost of success is an undeniable part of the equation. Leavitt herself has acknowledged how fortunate she is to have him by her side, a man who provides both emotional support and a respect for her demanding professional life. It is a relationship built on a foundation of mutual admiration, where his wisdom and life experience complement her youthful ambition and political acumen.
Their milestones—an engagement in late 2023, the birth of their son in July 2024, and their marriage in January 2025—have been noted with quiet fascination. They are a couple that, in many ways, challenges the Washington status quo. Their love story is not defined by power plays or political maneuvering, but by a genuine connection that blossomed in the most unlikely of circumstances. It proves that even in a city obsessed with image and influence, true partnerships can be forged in the most surprising of ways. As Karoline Leavitt continues her rise, she does so with a partner whose quiet strength and unwavering support are the very foundation of her success, a powerful, unspoken truth behind the public persona. “He is an introvert, the opposite of me. I respect my husband’s privacy. He is the best father and man I have ever met”, the White House spokesman shared. Theirs is a story that proves the real power in Washington is often not what you see, but what is hidden in plain sight.
