The Leavitt Family Secrets: 5 Shocking Facts About Karoline Leavitt's Parents, Bob And Erin

The curiosity surrounding the family life of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has intensified, especially following her rapid rise in Republican politics and her high-profile marriage. As of December 2025, the focus on her parents, Bob and Erin Leavitt, reveals a complex family dynamic that has shaped the youngest-ever White House Press Secretary. The Leavitt family, rooted in New Hampshire, has been a bedrock of support for Karoline’s career, but they have also navigated significant personal challenges, including a notable initial struggle with her age-gap marriage and a very recent, sensitive family legal matter. The story of Karoline Leavitt is inextricably linked to her upbringing in Atkinson, New Hampshire, where her parents instilled strong, conservative, and Catholic values that guided her political path from a young age. Their quiet, self-made background contrasts sharply with the intense media spotlight now focused on their daughter, offering a unique glimpse into the foundation of one of Washington’s most prominent political figures.

Karoline Leavitt: A Snapshot Biography and Family Profile

Karoline Claire Leavitt, born on August 24, 1997, in New Hampshire, quickly became a notable figure in conservative politics. Her career trajectory is marked by rapid ascent, starting with her time at Saint Anselm College, where she graduated in 2019. * Full Name: Karoline Claire Leavitt * Date of Birth: August 24, 1997 * Place of Birth: Atkinson, New Hampshire, USA * Education: Saint Anselm College (B.A., 2019) * Spouse: Nicholas Riccio (Married January 2025) * Child: Niko Riccio (Born July 2024) * Current Role: 36th White House Press Secretary (Appointed 2025) * Previous Roles: Communications Director for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Assistant Press Secretary in the Trump White House, Republican candidate for New Hampshire's 1st congressional district (2022). * Father: Robert "Bob" Leavitt * Mother: Erin P. (Egan) Leavitt * Siblings: Two older brothers, Michael Leavitt and Joe Leavitt. * Hometown: Atkinson, New Hampshire. * Faith: Catholic.

The Surprising Background of Bob and Erin Leavitt

The foundation of Karoline Leavitt's life was laid by her parents, Bob and Erin Leavitt, who embody the spirit of New England self-reliance and entrepreneurship. Their professional lives and personal history provide a fascinating contrast to the high-stakes world of Washington D.C. politics their daughter now inhabits.

The Entrepreneurial Roots of Bob Leavitt

Karoline's father, Robert "Bob" Leavitt, is a long-time New Hampshire businessman. He is the owner and operator of Leavitt Auto & Truck, a car dealership that has been a fixture in the local community. This background in small business instilled a strong work ethic and a conservative fiscal philosophy in his children. Beyond the car dealership, Bob and Erin Leavitt also previously owned an ice cream shop, further highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit.

Erin Leavitt: From Yoga to Political Support

Her mother, Erin P. Leavitt (née Egan), is a certified yoga teacher and is known for her dedication to the family and community. While her profession is far removed from the political sphere, she has been a constant, supportive presence in Karoline's life. Both Bob and Erin are described as being actively involved in their daughter's political campaigns, demonstrating a close-knit and supportive family unit despite the intense public scrutiny.

The Leavitt Family's Initial Struggle with Karoline’s Marriage

Perhaps the most compelling and personal detail about the Leavitt family is their initial reaction to Karoline's marriage to real estate investor Nicholas Riccio. The significant age difference between Karoline (born 1997) and her husband (born 1965, turning 60 in February 2025) proved to be a challenging topic for the family.

Fact 1: The Age-Gap Challenge

Karoline Leavitt has openly admitted that her family, including her parents, initially had a "hard time accepting" her "unusual" age-gap relationship with Nicholas Riccio, whom she married in January 2025. The discomfort stemmed from the sheer difference in age and life stages. Riccio is only four years younger than her father, Bob Leavitt, and nearly six years older than her mother, Erin Leavitt. This dynamic placed her husband closer in age to her parents than to herself, creating an awkward and difficult period for the family to navigate.

Fact 2: A Family Precedent for Age Differences

Adding a layer of complexity to the family dynamics is the fact that Bob and Erin Leavitt themselves have an age difference. The couple has a 10-year age gap and have been married since 1989, celebrating over 35 years together as of 2025. While their own age difference is substantial, the generational gap in Karoline's marriage was a different matter entirely. Despite the initial reservations, the family ultimately rallied around the couple, who welcomed their son, Niko, in July 2024, just months before their wedding.

Recent Family Headlines: The ICE Detention Controversy

In a stark illustration of the intense public scrutiny now focused on the extended Leavitt family, a very recent and sensitive legal matter involving Karoline’s extended family has made headlines in late 2025. This event highlights the challenges of privacy and political exposure for a family member in a high-ranking White House position.

Fact 3: The Nephew's Mother and ICE

In December 2025, the mother of Karoline Leavitt's nephew, Bruna Caroline Ferreira, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Ferreira, who is the mother of the child of Karoline's brother, Michael Leavitt, spoke out publicly about her arrest and subsequent detention.

Fact 4: Questions of Political Involvement

The high-profile nature of Karoline Leavitt's role as White House Press Secretary immediately raised questions about potential political involvement in the ICE action. Michael Leavitt has publicly addressed the claims, stating that the family was not personally involved in ICE's actions against Ferreira. This incident brought an unexpected and sensitive immigration issue directly to the Leavitt family's doorstep, demonstrating the new reality of public life for Karoline's relatives.

Fact 5: Unwavering Support for Karoline’s Career

Despite the personal and political challenges—from the initial marriage struggle to the recent family legal issues—Bob and Erin Leavitt have remained steadfast pillars of support for Karoline’s political journey. Their active involvement in her campaigns and their presence in her life underscore the strong conservative values and ambition they fostered in her from her early years in Atkinson, New Hampshire. The Leavitts represent a classic New England family, grounded in small business and faith, now navigating the unprecedented waters of national political fame and the intense media spotlight that comes with it.