Karoline Leavitt will leave her position as White House press secretary at the end of the month. Her departure marks the end of her time as the youngest person to hold this role. This change affects the communication strategies in President Trump’s administration, where messaging and loyalty are highly valued. Leavitt’s focus is shifting to her family, especially her husband, Nicholas Riccio, as she prioritizes motherhood and raising her two young children. Questions arise about her future steps and the administration’s direction.
Leavitt announced on X that she “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.” President Trump praised her as “one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office” and stated she will move to an advisory role outside the White House.
Who Is Karoline Leavitt’s Husband, Nicholas Riccio?
Nicholas Riccio is a real estate developer from New Hampshire, known for building a substantial property portfolio while staying out of the political spotlight. He grew up in Hudson, New Hampshire, in a financially unstable household and experienced homelessness as a teenager. Riccio put himself through Plymouth State University by working grocery-store shifts and taking loans.
He began his real estate career in the early 2000s by acquiring distressed properties along Hampton Beach. Over time, he gained a reputation for revitalizing neighborhoods, especially along M Street.
Despite Leavitt’s political prominence, Riccio keeps a low public profile, often avoiding official events. Leavitt describes him as “very introverted” and dedicated to family, calling him an “incredibly hands-on father.” Riccio’s steady presence provides stability amidst Washington’s chaos.
Leavitt and Riccio have a 32-year age difference—she is 28, and he is 60. Their relationship began in 2022. Leavitt admitted the age gap initially concerned her, describing their relationship as “very unusual.” However, her family accepted Riccio after meeting him. Now, she describes their family dynamic as typical, highlighting shared respect between Riccio and her parents.
Public attention on their age difference increased when Leavitt started briefing at the White House in January 2025. She defended their relationship, attributing Riccio’s maturity and support as key to her career. She often refers to him as her “greatest supporter.”
Nicholas Riccio’s Net Worth
Riccio’s real estate ventures approximate a net worth of $6 million. Riccio Enterprises, his company, owns numerous rental properties in New Hampshire, Boston, and the White Mountains. Records show at least 10 properties registered to his LLC, with values ranging from $5,500 fixer-uppers to $400,000 coastal rentals.
His financial success has influenced their relationship. Leavitt credits his business success for fully supporting her political pursuits, including financing her 2022 congressional campaign. His flexible schedule also allowed him to handle increased childcare duties, enabling Leavitt to take on demanding roles within Trump’s administration.
Riccio’s journey—from homelessness to property ownership—has established his reputation in New Hampshire as a local investor in neglected communities.
Leavitt’s Family
Leavitt and Riccio’s first child, Niko, was born on July 10, 2024. The birth was shortly followed by an assassination attempt on Trump, causing Leavitt to shorten her maternity leave. Their second child, Viviana, was born on May 1, 2026. Though on leave, Leavitt briefly returned to work due to a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. She later described Vivi’s birth as a “blissful newborn bubble.” Balancing motherhood and work became central to her decision to step down.
Reasons for Leaving
Leavitt cited emotional reasons for her decision to leave. After returning from maternity leave, she realized she could not fulfill her role as press secretary and be the mother she intended to be. The role demands continuous availability, crisis response, and daily briefings—“rewarding yet challenging” in her words.
In her statement, she expressed the decision was “bittersweet” but necessary for her family. Leavitt will remain active in politics as one of Trump’s top outside advisers, maintaining a visible MAGA presence.
Trump’s Reaction
Trump announced Leavitt’s departure on Truth Social, respecting her choice. He hailed her as “one of the best” secretaries and a trusted aide. He acknowledged her continued influence within the Republican Party as it seeks to retain Congress. Trump recognized her efforts in advocating for “Justice, Liberty, and Freedom.”
Potential Successors
Discussions about successors include several potential candidates:
- Harrison Fields, principal deputy press secretary, offers stability through internal promotion.
- Steven Cheung, White House communications director, is known for an aggressive media style.
- Taylor Rogers, a senior official and former campaign staffer, is experienced with Trump’s media landscape.
- Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston and close aide Margo Martin are also mentioned as possibilities.
These candidates suggest various paths for maintaining or reshaping the administration’s communication strategies.