Karoline Leavitt Faces Backlash Over Age-Gap Marriage

Critics mock the 28-year-old White House press secretary's 60-year-old husband at family event.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:50am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, muted tones depicting a couple with a young child, conveying the intimate, familial mood of the scene.A family portrait at the White House Easter Egg Roll exposes the scrutiny faced by public figures in age-gap relationships.Washington Today

Karoline Leavitt, the 28-year-old White House press secretary, has faced a wave of criticism after sharing family photos on Instagram that showed her posing with her 60-year-old husband, Nicholas Riccio. Many commenters mocked the age gap, with some mistaking Riccio for Leavitt's grandfather.

Why it matters

Leavitt's age-gap marriage has drawn intense scrutiny, with relationship experts warning that the couple may face challenges around parenting due to differences in experiences, energy levels, and life outlooks. The backlash highlights the societal pressures and double standards that public figures can face in their personal lives.

The details

In the Instagram photos, Leavitt was seen holding her 1-year-old son, Nicholas "Niko" Robert Riccio, while standing next to her husband. Critics quickly zeroed in on the couple's 32-year age difference, with some making jokes about Riccio being Leavitt's grandfather. The criticism comes after a relationship therapist previously warned that Leavitt and Riccio could face challenges in parenting due to their significant age gap.

  • Leavitt shared the family photos on Instagram on April 12, 2026.
  • The White House Easter Egg Roll 2026 event where the photos were taken occurred on April 12, 2026.

The players

Karoline Leavitt

A 28-year-old White House press secretary who has faced backlash over her age-gap marriage.

Nicholas Riccio

Leavitt's 60-year-old husband, who has been the subject of criticism and mockery from Leavitt's detractors.

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The takeaway

Karoline Leavitt's age-gap marriage has sparked a wave of criticism and mockery, highlighting the societal pressures and double standards that public figures can face in their personal lives. Relationship experts warn that the couple may face challenges in parenting due to their significant age difference, underscoring the need for open and respectful communication in navigating such relationships.