Karoline Leavitt’s repost before exit as WH press secretary puts Marco Rubio in focus

WASHINGTON, DC: Karoline Leavitt made a seemingly curious social media move shortly before announcing her exit as White House press secretary.

On Tuesday, August 11, the 28-year-old reposted a clip of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette Rubio, discussing their marriage and the things they disagree about during an appearance on Katie Miller’s podcast. Leavitt offered no explanation for why she chose to share the video.

Karoline Leavitt shared clip of Marco and Jeanette Rubio’s candid marriage conversation

The clip reposted by Leavitt came from the Department of State’s official X (formerly Twitter) account and showed Marco and Jeanette joking about their very different approaches to life.

Miller asked Jeanette, “What's one thing you disagree with Marco on?”

“One?” Marco immediately responded, joking about the question as everyone laughed.

“That’s for episode two,” he added.

Jeanette then thought about her answer before explaining that the couple disagrees about “some of the stuff he stresses on.”

Marco jokingly brought up “war and peace” before making it clear that they were talking about disagreements on a personal level.

“I mean, just things. Everything has to be scheduled. See, I’m not always scheduled about everything… I’m very spontaneous,” he said.

The conversation then turned to travel and flights, with Rubio explaining that he and his wife have different ideas about how early they should arrive at an airport.

“And some things are great about spontaneity, and some things are not. Like, for example, like, flights,” Rubio said.

“You can’t be spontaneous about a flight, right?” he continued. “There’s a commercial flight, it takes off at 10.05, and it’s…”

Jeanette quickly jumped in with her own take.

“No, but three hours — three hours prior, he’s already stressing,” she said.

Marco then explained the thinking behind his approach.

“If you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario in life, nothing will ever surprise you,” he said.

The couple continued joking about their different attitudes toward schedules and getting to the airport.

Leavitt reposted that exchange without adding any commentary, leaving no explanation for why the particular clip caught her attention.

Karoline Leavitt’s repost came just before announcement of her White House exit

The timing of the repost became more noticeable because Leavitt announced her departure from the White House shortly afterward.

President Donald Trump was the first to announce on Wednesday that she would be leaving the press secretary position at the end of the month.

He praised Leavitt as “one of my most trusted aides” and said she would be departing so she could spend more time with her “beautiful young children and family.”

Trump also said he understood and respected her decision and that Leavitt would remain one of his “top outside advisors.”

Leavitt had returned from maternity leave after giving birth to her second child on July 16.

She later explained that becoming a mother had played a major role in her decision to step away from one of the most demanding positions in the White House.

“The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary,” Leavitt wrote on X.

She described the decision as “bittersweet” as she prepares to leave the White House and begin a new chapter.

Karoline Leavitt’s marriage has also drawn public attention

Leavitt’s departure has also renewed interest in her personal life, particularly her marriage to New Hampshire real estate developer Nicholas Riccio.

The couple has attracted attention because of their 32-year age difference. Leavitt is 28, while Riccio is 60, according to People.

Leavitt has previously spoken publicly about their relationship and described it as unconventional but deeply supportive.

During an appearance on ‘The Megyn Kelly Show’, she discussed Riccio’s role in supporting her through her rapid political rise and her transition into motherhood.