Karoline Leavitt addresses 32-year age gap with husband, tells women to ‘forget the haters’
WASHINGTON, DC. Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has opened up about her 32-year age gap with husband Nicholas Riccio, telling women in similar relationships to “forget the haters and follow your heart.”
Leavitt shared the advice during an Instagram Q&A on Wednesday, October 14, offering a glimpse into her personal life after stepping down from her White House role.
Leavitt, who has two children with Riccio, described the real estate developer as the “absolute best husband and dad in the world.” She also addressed criticism of their age difference, saying people understand why they are together when they meet the couple in person.
Karoline Leavitt shares advice on age-gap relationships
During the Instagram Q&A, a follower asked Leavitt for advice for women in relationships with older partners. Leavitt responded by encouraging them to focus on their relationships rather than outside criticism.
“Forget the haters and follow your heart!” she wrote, alongside a photograph with Riccio.
Leavitt also praised her husband’s role in their family, calling him the “absolute best husband and dad in the world.” She added that people better understand their relationship when they meet them together.
Her comments came as she answered questions from her 3.1 million Instagram followers about her personal life, career and plans after leaving the White House.
Who is Nicholas Riccio?
Riccio is a real estate developer who is 32 years older than Leavitt. The couple met in 2022 while Leavitt was campaigning in New Hampshire during her congressional run.
Leavitt lost the general election to Democrat Chris Pappas. Her relationship with Riccio continued, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2024 before marrying in 2025.
The couple now have two children. Leavitt has also spoken about her decision to protect their privacy on social media by concealing their faces in photographs.
During the Q&A, she explained that she wished she did not feel the need to hide their faces because she thinks her children are “so dang cute,” but believes doing so is the right way to protect their innocence.
Karoline Leavitt discusses life after leaving the White House
Leavitt also explained why she left her position as White House press secretary despite continuing to work in media. She said the role required her to spend more than 60 hours a week in the office, travel internationally and remain available around the clock.
“As Press Sec, I was working in the office 60+ hours a week, traveling the world, and always on call 24/7,” she said.
She contrasted that schedule with her current routine, saying she is now home with her children every day while continuing to make television appearances.
Leavitt is due to join Fox News as an on-air contributor on November 1.
Her Instagram Q&A also included advice for young people interested in politics and communications. She encouraged college students to gain real-world experience through internships and jobs, saying the workplace is where they learn how the industry operates.
