Karoline Leavitt is pushing back against criticism of her marriage to her 61-year-old husband Nicholas Riccio, insisting that marrying the real estate developer was “the best decision I ever made.” The 29-year-old former White House press secretary has previously addressed their 32-year age gap, making it clear that she doesn’t regret building a life with someone nearly three decades her senior, despite the immense backlash she often faces on social media. Keep reading for more information.
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Karoline Leavitt Defends Age Gap With Her Husband
While doing a Q&A on her Instagram Story, Leavitt was asked for advice about being in a relationship with an age gap. "What advice would you give for girls in age-gap relationships?" a follower asked her. "My husband is 15 years older."
"Forget the haters and follow your heart!" Leavitt responded, along with a photo of her and her husband. "Marrying this man was the best decision I ever made. He's the absolute best husband and dad in the world. Everyone gets why we are together when they actually meet him and see us together."
Leavitt and Riccio met in 2022 at an event organized by a mutual friend. While they started out as friends, their relationship quickly turned romantic, and Riccio proposed in December 2023. They officially tied the knot about a year later, and have since welcomed two children together: Niko, 2, and Vivi, who was born on May 1, 2026.
Social Media Reactions
Leavitt's response went viral across social media platforms, and users couldn't help but make jokes about the situation. "Money can say a lot of words," one person wrote on Instagram.
"He's got money and she's the perfect pretender," wrote another user.
"She defends his money!" a third user agreed.
"It helps that it looks like she's in her mid 40s," wrote another person.
"If you have enough money u too can have a young wife, otherwise you both will have zero in common," one comment reads.
"Never seen a younger woman marry a broke old man," wrote another.
"Yes defend gold digging as a preferred occupation," a final user wrote.
