27-year-old Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary for President Donald Trump, made history by becoming the youngest person to hold the position. Her husband, Nicholas Riccio, who is 32 years her senior, was instrumental in her success.
When the single mother first appeared in the briefing room in Washington, D.C., on January 28, she immediately won over viewers with her poise and maturity in front of the camera.
Being in the spotlight on the global political scene has its disadvantages, as Leavitt has already discovered. One of these disadvantages is the intense scrutiny and criticism she has faced since assuming the position.
But, having started her career as an intern at Fox News before going on to run for Congress at the age of 25, the communications specialist is no stranger to standing her ground under duress.
Although her attempt to win a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as the Republican nominee in the 1st District of New Hampshire ultimately failed, it undoubtedly contributed to Leavitt’s introduction into the conservative political discourse. Additionally, it generated fresh interest in her personal life, including her marriage to Riccio, a 59-year-old real estate tycoon and native of New Hampshire.
Leavitt has previously stated that her husband is very secretive and dislikes social media when questioned about him.
Riccio is a local legend in New Hampshire, where he has amassed a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio, realising a childhood aspiration even though he may not be a star in his own right.
Although her husband has a highly successful real estate career, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary for President Donald Trump, has become a political superstar. (Instagram/karolineleavitt)
When the single mother first appeared in the briefing room on January 28, she immediately won over spectators with her maturity, capturing the attention of the entire world. (Instagram/karolineleavitt)
Riccio, who has a $6 million net worth according to Distractify, did not get there easily, despite living a life of luxury today.
The 59-year-old’s parents, Anthony and Marilyn, divorced when he was a small child and reared him in New Hampshire.
After they split up, Riccio moved from house to house until he was eighteen and living on the streets.
He earlier told The Portsmouth Herald, “I would call my friends to come over [to] their houses to watch a game when I was 19 or 20 just so I could take a shower.”
By working as a grocery store employee and taking out loans, Riccio paid for his education and eventually earned a degree from Plymouth State University.
His interest in real estate was initially stoked at that point.
After enrolling in a real estate school in 1990, the businessman—who frequently chose to sleep in his car when he was unable to pay his rent—became enamoured with the construction industry. When he saw how many properties in the neighbourhood needed a serious makeover, he decided to focus his sights on Hampton Beach in New Hampshire.
In 2005, he told the Sunday Herald that while he and his mother were driving around Hampton Beach, they happened onto M Street, a lengthy row of buildings that had deteriorated so badly over the years that several of them had been demolished.
Riccio recognised fairly quickly that he intended to leave the street as his legacy, but he had to start small because he lacked the money to immediately buy the entire street.
By pushing his finances, he was able to raise enough cash to purchase just one of the buildings. His real estate portfolio was launched.
Leavitt’s sophisticated attitude can also be attributed to her 59-year-old husband, who has been catapulted into the spotlight as his wife creates waves in her new role, in addition to her impressive resume. (Instagram/karolineleavitt)
As the manager of Riccio Enterprises LLC, a multimillion-dollar real estate company that is a subsidiary of Nautical Beach Properties, Riccio has been accustomed to living a luxury lifestyle despite his ultraprivate nature. (Instagram/karolineleavitt)
Ten residences are presently listed under his company’s LLC, nine of which are in New Hampshire and one in West Virginia, according to property records.
All of the houses were constructed in the late 20th century, and Riccio spent between $5,500 and $400,000.
When Riccio’s farm in New Hampshire caught fire in 2023, it made news. The property reportedly sustained severe fire and water damage, but the origin of the fire was never identified.
Nautical Beach Properties wants visitors to “enjoy” the sunshine and lovely sea in the area, according to Riccio’s company website.
“Come to the Nautical Beach Properties and settle in. Enjoy the sunset while sitting outside in the afternoon light. The sandy beach and boardwalk attractions are just a short stroll away. Come experience our warm welcome and more. ideally situated for all your vacation needs.
Enjoy a range of dining options, water slides, miniature golf, beach walks in the morning, sunset cruises, and many arcades for family-friendly entertainment. You may rent boats for deep sea fishing and whale viewing at Hampton Harbour, which is just down the street.
Every Wednesday night, Hampton Beach hosts fireworks and a range of entertainment at the Sea Shell Stage. Lots of fun shopping for groceries, beachwear, souvenirs, and other essentials,” the website says.
There are several houses and rooms in Riccio that are for rent right now. Visitors can expect to pay $139 per night for a one-bedroom beachfront room and approximately $154 per night for a beach house.
Although the exact date of Riccio and Leavitt’s relationship is unknown, it is thought that they met at a political gathering through a mutual friend.
Leavitt, a former member of the staff of then-Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany at the Trump White House, previously disclosed that her spouse is a “introvert” and the “opposite” of her.
She clarified, “He is an introvert and doesn’t use social media, which is the exact opposite of me.”
“I respect his privacy on this site, but he is the best man I’ve ever met, my biggest fan, and the best father.”
Ten residences are presently listed under Riccio’s company’s LLC, nine of which are in New Hampshire and one in West Virginia, per property records.
All of the houses were constructed in the late 20th century, and Riccio spent between $5,500 and $400,000. Realtor.com
Although the exact date of Riccio and Leavitt’s relationship is unknown, it is thought that they met at a political gathering through a mutual friend.
Riccio even contributed to the funding of Leavitt’s unsuccessful 2022 bid for a seat in the US House of Representatives.
When Leavitt shared a video of Riccio popping the question on Instagram the following year, with the message, “I get to marry the man of my dreams,” the couple became official. I am so very blessed. Thank you, God.
On July 10, 2024, they had a boy, which Leavitt described as the “best moment of her life.”
At the moment, she posted on Instagram, “It’s true what they say about there being nothing like the love you feel for your child.”
“My heart has expanded beyond my wildest expectations. The greatest blessing is a baby, and I am very grateful for our handsome, content, and healthy kid.
Leavitt said she was excited to return to the White House but acknowledged that she was “nervous” about missing time with her son, only weeks before she took the podium as the White House press secretary.
She opened up on Instagram about the difficulties she was facing before taking on her new duty, saying that she was “praying” about it.
On July 10, 2024, Leavitt and Riccio welcomed a son, which Leavitt described as the “best moment of her life.” (Instagram/karolineleavitt)
Leavitt said she was excited to return to the White House but acknowledged that she was “nervous” about missing time with her son, only weeks before she took the podium as the White House press secretary. (Instagram/karolineleavitt)
“Do you worry about the demands of the job and missing out on moments with your son?” said one follower.
“Yes,” Leavitt said. This is something I genuinely pray about every day. It’s all I know, but it’s also really challenging.
Only a few days after giving baby, I returned to work. I now know how to prioritise my time and multitask.
I’m also appreciative of my wonderful husband and supportive family. Without them, it would be impossible.
“I tell myself that this job is only temporary, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I know that one day he will be proud of his mother.”
Leavitt also talked about her experience working for Trump and how she was preparing for her impending shift.
“We’re preparing to relocate. I’m excited to return to D.C. because I worked in the White House during President Trump’s first term and lived there,” she added.
