Karoline Leavitt Breaks Silence on Her 32-Year Age Gap with Husband: “He’s My Rock”
In a world where age gaps in relationships are often scrutinized, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has decided to lean into the narrative with the grace of someone who’s clearly mastered the art of not caring what you think. At 27, Leavitt—who holds the distinction of being the youngest person ever to serve in her role—recently opened up about her marriage to 59-year-old real estate developer Nicholas Riccio, a man who, by her account, is her “greatest supporter” and “best friend.” The couple’s 32-year age difference has, predictably, raised eyebrows, but Leavitt isn’t losing sleep over it.
Leavitt met Riccio in 2022 while campaigning for a congressional seat in New Hampshire, a race she ultimately lost but gained a husband in the process. Their relationship blossomed after a mutual friend introduced them at an event hosted at one of Riccio’s restaurants. Fast forward to 2023, and the couple welcomed their son, Nicholas Robert “Niko” Riccio, now 8 months old, before tying the knot just days before President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Leavitt recently described their wedding day as “one of my favorite days,” a sentiment she shared on Instagram with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for political victories.
What’s particularly fascinating about Leavitt’s perspective is how she frames the age gap as a professional asset rather than a personal quirk. Riccio, she notes, has built a successful business and is now fully supportive of her career ambitions. “He’s so supportive, especially during this very chaotic period of life,” she said, referring to her demanding role as press secretary. It’s a refreshing take on the often-maligned May-December romance trope, one that suggests age is just a number—unless, of course, that number comes with a built-in mentor.
Leavitt isn’t alone in navigating the choppy waters of age-gap relationships. Celebrities like Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor, Heidi Klum and Tom Kaulitz, and Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have all faced similar scrutiny. Paulson, for instance, once quipped that anyone bothered by her 32-year age difference with Taylor is “strange,” while Klum has dismissed critics with the kind of confidence only a supermodel can muster. Chopra, meanwhile, has pointed out the double standard that exists when the woman is older, a sentiment that Leavitt’s story only underscores.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Perhaps it’s that love, like politics, is messy, unpredictable, and occasionally defies conventional wisdom. Or maybe it’s that age gaps are just another way for people to project their insecurities onto others. Either way, Leavitt’s story is a reminder that happiness doesn’t come with an expiration date—and neither does success.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, Modern Luxury, InStyle, The Guardian
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