Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary under President Donald Trump’s administration, recently shared joyful personal news that has drawn…
Widespread public attention and sparked conversation across political and social media circles.
On December 26, 2025, Leavitt announced via Instagram that she and her husband are expecting their second child, a baby girl due in May 2026.
At just 28 years old, Leavitt stands out not only as a prominent political communicator but also as one of the youngest individuals ever to hold her position.
She combined her announcement with reflections on family life, gratitude for her role, and a message of appreciation for the support she has received — both personally and professionally — during an especially eventful period in her life and career.
A Heartfelt Announcement at the Holidays
Leavitt chose a moment rich with symbolism for her announcement — Christmas week — sharing a photograph of herself beside a decorated tree, visibly further along in her pregnancy.
In her Instagram post, she described the news as “the greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for,” and revealed that she and her husband are joyfully expecting a baby girl in May of 2026.
Her caption also conveyed deep gratitude: Leavitt expressed how excited she and her husband are to watch their elder child become a big brother and how “my heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood,” a sentiment she described as “the closest thing to Heaven on Earth.”
In the same announcement, she publicly thanked President Trump and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for fostering a workplace she described as “pro‑family,” underscoring how both her professional responsibilities and personal life have been supported by those around her.
Building a Family in the Public Eye
Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, already share one child: their son, Nicholas Robert “Niko” Riccio, born in July 2024.
Leavitt has shared moments from his first year of life on social media with touching family photos and reflections, celebrating the joy he has brought to their lives.
Their growing family has navigated significant milestones over a compressed timeline. Leavitt and Riccio were married in January 2025, just days before President Trump’s second inauguration.
The wedding, held in Rye, New Hampshire, was attended by family and friends and marked a transition into a new chapter — both personally and politically — for the couple.
In a candid Instagram caption from earlier celebrations, Leavitt described how special it was to watch her son, Niko, grow throughout his first year, thanking supporters and expressing the love she felt as a mother.
Career, Faith, and Family
Karoline Leavitt’s role as White House press secretary is a high‑pressure position involving daily interactions with national and international media, urgent briefings on policy and events, and serving as a chief communicator for the administration’s messaging.
She was appointed in January 2025, becoming the youngest person to serve in that role — a milestone that has been noted by both supporters and critics.
Balancing the demands of this role with motherhood is part of Leavitt’s lived experience — one she has referenced in interviews and social media posts.
In 2024, after the birth of her first child, she made headlines for returning to her White House responsibilities shortly after Niko’s birth amid urgent national developments.
Leavitt has also spoken publicly about the role that her Roman Catholic faith plays in her life, grounding her amid the pressures of work and public scrutiny, and shaping how she approaches both her career and family priorities.
The Age Difference That Sparked Conversation
Not long after Leavitt shared her pregnancy news, online discussions turned in part to her personal life, particularly the age gap between her and her husband.
Riccio, a businessman and real estate developer from New Hampshire, is about 60 years old, making the couple’s age difference roughly 32 years — a fact that has drawn significant attention on social media and in news comment sections.
Rather than shying away from public scrutiny, Leavitt has previously addressed the age difference herself.
In interviews earlier in 2025, she described their relationship as an “atypical love story,” emphasizing that the connection developed through friendship and mutual respect rather than age. She has credited Riccio as being “incredible,” an “amazing supporter,” and “the best dad” to their son.
Leavitt has also spoken about how introducing Riccio to her family led to initial surprise because of the age difference, but she said the reaction softened once her parents saw his character and how much he adores her — a perspective she described openly during media appearances.
Shared Support and Personal Dynamics
While the age gap has been a focal point for online commentary, many media observers and Leavitt herself frame the partnership around shared values, mutual support, and complementary strengths.
Sources covering the couple note that Riccio, through his successful real estate career, has been a supportive presence both at home and professionally, allowing Leavitt space to pursue career opportunities while also caring for their family.
Riccio’s background includes building a real estate business in New Hampshire, where he owns multiple properties and has been a stable figure in the couple’s private life.
According to public reporting, Leavitt has spoken warmly about how his steady support — both emotionally and practically — has been vital as she balances national responsibilities with her role as a mother.
For her part, Leavitt has portrayed her family life as intentional and rooted in faith, love, and mutual respect, saying in past interviews that the strength of their partnership comes from these shared foundations rather than external perceptions.
Public Reaction and Commentary
Public responses to Leavitt’s announcement have been mixed, ranging from heartfelt congratulations to pointed commentary on her personal life.
Many political allies and supporters praised her for her transparency and for celebrating her growing family. Others scrutinized aspects of her personal narrative, including the age difference with her husband and how she balances her demanding job with family responsibilities.
Across social media platforms, followers shared a range of opinions — some expressing curiosity or skepticism about the couple’s age gap, while others offered supportive messages celebrating the upcoming addition to Leavitt’s family.
Despite varied reactions, Leavitt has remained focused on the broader message of her announcement: gratitude for family, excitement for the future, and appreciation for the support systems that have helped her navigate high‑pressure professional duties alongside personal milestones.
Looking Ahead: Motherhood and Leadership
As Karoline Leavitt prepares to welcome her second child, she stands poised at a unique intersection of personal joy and public duty.
Her announcement adds a historical note to her tenure, as she is expected to be the first sitting White House press secretary in U.S. history to give birth while in office, marking a moment of cultural and political significance.
Leavitt’s narrative — as a young leader, a mother of two, and a figure in the national political spotlight — reflects broader conversations about work‑life balance, family roles in high‑demand careers, and how public servants navigate personal and professional identities.
In her public remarks, she has repeatedly emphasized gratitude — both toward her husband and toward the administration she serves — and she continues to depict her family as a source of strength.
As she looks forward to welcoming her daughter in May 2026, Leavitt’s story remains one in which personal resilience, faith, and public service are woven together in the way she chooses to share with the world.
