Revealing Her Personal Story on a U.S. Podcast
"Though a 32-Year Age Gap Is Unusual... He's a Wonderful Person"
Caroline Leavitt, the youngest-ever White House Press Secretary at age 28, has revealed the background behind her marriage to her husband, who is 32 years her senior.
Caroline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, and her husband Nicholas Richio. Photo by Leavitt Press Secretary Instagram
According to Newsweek on November 20 (local time), Press Secretary Leavitt spoke about her husband on the podcast "Pod Force One."
When the host asked, "Was it difficult to find a mature man among men your age?" Leavitt replied with a laugh, "Honestly, yes."
Leavitt first met real estate businessman Nicholas Riccio, 59, in 2022 while running for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Hampshire's 1st congressional district. She won the Republican primary but lost the general election to Democrat Chris Pappas. Riccio runs the real estate development company Riccio Enterprises LLC, based in New Hampshire.
Leavitt got engaged in 2023, though the exact date of their wedding is not publicly known. The couple welcomed their son, Nicholas Robert Riccio, in July of last year.
Regarding their age difference, Leavitt acknowledged, "It is a very unusual relationship." She added, "My husband is truly a wonderful person. At first, we were just friends, but over time, we fell in love. Now we are married and have a beautiful child."
Leavitt also described her husband as "very introverted and someone who always quietly supports me from behind the scenes."
Leavitt was appointed White House Press Secretary after President Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. presidential election. At the time, Trump described her as "smart, tough, and highly capable." Previously, Leavitt had served as spokesperson for Trump's presidential campaign and transition team.
Leavitt said of her husband's career, "He is a self-made man. He has firmly established his own career and is now in a position to fully support my work."
Leavitt also revealed that her parents initially found it difficult to accept her husband. She said, "It was not an easy conversation," but explained, "Once my parents saw his character and how much he cares for me, things quickly became natural."
The interview has drawn attention in the United States. Some American netizens expressed surprise, saying, "A 32-year age gap is quite rare," while others offered support, commenting, "Age doesn't matter. As long as you love each other, that's what counts."
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