The $6 Million Secret: 7 Surprising Facts About Nicholas Riccio, The Press Secretary’s Real Estate Mogul Husband

The role of a White House Press Secretary demands intense public scrutiny, but often, their private lives are just as fascinating. As of December 2025, the spotlight shines brightly on the transition team's Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, and her husband, Nicholas Riccio. Their relationship has captured headlines not just for its political proximity but for a significant, 32-year age difference that Leavitt has openly described as "very unusual," making Riccio one of the most talked-about spouses in Washington's current political landscape.

This article dives deep into the life of Nicholas Riccio, a self-made multi-millionaire whose journey from homelessness to a successful real estate empire in New England is a powerful story of American resilience. We explore his career, the details of his high-profile marriage to one of the youngest-ever Press Secretaries, and how the demands of a high-stakes political career impact their family life, providing the most current and unique insights into this dynamic political couple.

Nicholas Riccio: Biography, Career, and Relationship Profile

Nicholas Riccio is a successful New England-based real estate investor and developer who gained widespread public attention following his marriage to political spokesperson Karoline Leavitt. His life story is marked by a dramatic rise from hardship to wealth, setting him apart from the typical Washington D.C. political spouse.

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• Full Name: Nicholas Riccio
• Occupation: Real Estate Investor, Developer, and Businessman
• Company: Owner of Riccio Enterprises LLC
• Education: Graduated from Plymouth State University, New Hampshire
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Approximately $6 million
• Spouse: Karoline Leavitt (White House Press Secretary)
• Marriage Date: January 2025
• Age Difference: 32 years (Nicholas Riccio is 60, Karoline Leavitt is 28, as of the time of their marriage)
• Children: One son, Niko
• Notable Background: Experienced homelessness in his youth before building his real estate fortune.

The Shocking 32-Year Age Gap and Public Scrutiny

The marriage between Karoline Leavitt and Nicholas Riccio is defined, in the public eye, by its significant age difference. Leavitt, who is one of the youngest individuals to hold a high-profile Press Secretary role, married Riccio, a man 32 years her senior, in January 2025, just days before the second inauguration of President Donald Trump.

The couple met in 2022, and their relationship has since been a frequent topic of conversation and, at times, online backlash. In interviews, Karoline Leavitt has openly acknowledged the unusual nature of their union, stating that she knows the age gap is "very unusual." She has also shared the "challenging" experience of introducing Riccio to her parents, a moment that required candid discussion about their unconventional relationship.

This public visibility is a new challenge for Riccio, who, despite his business success, had maintained a relatively private life before his wife's ascent in national politics. The pressure of the White House role itself has also been cited as a strain. Leavitt has admitted that the demands of the high-stakes job—which often requires her to be away from home and focused on political crises—puts a significant pressure on their marriage.

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Their ability to navigate both the political spotlight and the personal challenges of their unique partnership is a compelling narrative that continues to unfold in Washington. The couple shares a son, Niko, adding another layer of complexity to balancing public service with family life.

From Unhoused to Multi-Millionaire: Riccio's Inspiring Backstory

One of the most unique and least-known aspects of Nicholas Riccio’s life is his incredible rags-to-riches journey. His story is a powerful testament to self-made success in the face of early adversity.

The Early Struggle

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Riccio has openly discussed the turbulence of his youth, revealing that he was unhoused and living on the street at the age of 18. This challenging start provided the motivation for his later success. After graduating from Plymouth State University, the course of his life changed dramatically in 1990 when he took a real estate class.

Building the Real Estate Empire

Riccio began his property career in the early 2000s by flipping houses in the Hampton Beach area of New Hampshire. Over the years, he systematically built a multi-million-dollar real estate empire in New England. He is the owner of Riccio Enterprises LLC and currently owns more than 15 buildings in Hampton Beach, which he primarily rents out to families. His business acumen and financial success are the foundations of his estimated $6 million net worth as of 2025.

The Evolving Role of the Press Secretary's Partner

Nicholas Riccio’s profile as a successful, non-political businessman with an unconventional marriage stands in contrast to the partners of other recent White House Press Secretaries, highlighting the diversity among Washington's power couples. The term "press secretary husband" itself has become a broader entity, encompassing a variety of professional and personal backgrounds.

• Jen Psaki and Gregory Mecher: Jen Psaki, the former White House Press Secretary under President Biden, is married to Gregory Mecher. Mecher is a long-time Democratic Party aide, having served in senior roles for various Democratic Congressmen and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Their marriage is a classic Washington power coupling, rooted in shared political careers.
• Karine Jean-Pierre and Suzanne Malveaux: The current White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, was in a long-term partnership with former CNN anchor Suzanne Malveaux. This relationship was notable for being a high-profile same-sex couple in the White House orbit. However, in a September 2023 update, Jean-Pierre announced that she and Malveaux had separated.

The unique blend of a vast age gap, a self-made business fortune, and the intense political spotlight makes Nicholas Riccio's story a fresh and compelling chapter in the history of the Press Secretary's spouse. His background as a real estate mogul, rather than a political operative, offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of being married to a high-ranking political figure in modern American politics.