Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary under President Donald Trump, is once again at the center of public scrutiny—this time not for her political messaging but for her personal life. Her marriage to real estate investor Nicholas Riccio, who is 32 years older than she is, has sparked renewed debate after Leavitt’s latest comments on the “Pod Force One” podcast. Although Leavitt has always insisted that her relationship is genuine and rooted in emotional compatibility, critics online have seized on the significant age difference and the couple’s wealth, reviving accusations that her marriage is financially motivated. These claims remain purely speculative, voiced by social-media users—not by Leavitt, Riccio, or any verified source.

The age gap between Leavitt and Riccio has been public knowledge for years. At 27, Leavitt married Riccio, now in his late 50s, and they have spoken only briefly about the origins of their romance. In February 2025, during an appearance on “The Megyn Kelly Show,” Leavitt acknowledged that it was “a very atypical love story,” but she declined to provide further detail. Her reluctance to disclose specifics has helped fuel outside speculation, even though she has never suggested anything unusual or inappropriate about their relationship.

By the time she appeared on “Pod Force One” in November, the topic resurfaced when host Miranda Devine asked more directly about the couple’s beginnings. Leavitt reiterated that the two had known each other as friends for some time before falling in love, describing Riccio as introverted and deeply supportive. Her description remained vague, but this was consistent with her past interviews. She did not frame their meeting as dramatic or mysterious—only private. Still, the lack of detail has encouraged some online observers to fill in the blanks themselves.

After lightly describing Riccio’s personality and their transition from friends to partners, Leavitt shifted to praising his accomplishments in real estate. She cited his success, his business experience, and his financial stability as factors that make their family life easier. Although she likely intended this as praise for her husband’s established career and his ability to support her demanding role in the White House, some listeners took her comments differently. As soon as clips circulated online, critics began accusing her of emphasizing Riccio’s wealth too conveniently.