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White House Secretary Karoline Leavitt has found herself at the center of social media attention after sharing her Halloween family photos online. The 28-year-old posted pictures on Instagram featuring her husband, 60-year-old Nicholas Riccio, and their 16-month-old son, Niko, posing outside the White House decorated with pumpkins. What was meant to be a sweet family moment soon turned into an online controversy.
Social media users began pointing out that Riccio’s face looked unusually smooth and almost airbrushed, sparking claims that the photos had been digitally edited. Some suggested that Leavitt may have used filters or retouching tools to make her husband appear younger. Others focused on the 32-year age gap between the couple, which fueled even more discussion about their relationship. While the post quickly went viral, neither Leavitt nor Riccio has commented on the accusations or addressed the online speculation.
Karoline Leavitt has been a rising name in U.S. conservative politics for several years. A native of New Hampshire, she first entered the national spotlight as one of the youngest appointees in Donald Trump’s administration, serving as a White House press aide. Known for her confident personality and strong communication skills, she later became a political spokesperson and campaign strategist. In early 2025, she returned to Trump’s re-election campaign as part of his communications team, regaining her place in the public eye.
Who is Nicholas Riccio?
Her husband, Nicholas Riccio, is a real estate developer and businessman also based in New Hampshire. He began his career with limited resources, borrowing money at high interest to buy his first few properties. Over time, he built a successful real estate portfolio and founded Riccio Enterprises LLC and Nautical Beach Properties. His firms now manage and lease over 15 buildings across the Hampton Beach area. His estimated net worth is around $6 million, largely from property and business investments.
Leavitt and Riccio reportedly met in 2022 through mutual connections in New Hampshire’s business and political community. Their relationship attracted attention early on due to their large age difference, but the two have often shared affectionate posts about each other online. They welcomed their first child, Niko, in July 2024, and tied the knot in a private ceremony in January 2025, just before Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration.
On social media, Leavitt often shares glimpses of their family life, moments filled with warmth and pride. But this time, her Halloween post drew more scrutiny than admiration, leaving the couple silent amid the online noise.