White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Faces Online Backlash Over Age Gap with Husband

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, 28, posted an Instagram carousel in early August 2026 showing family moments with her 60‑year‑old husband Nicholas Riccio and their two children, son Niko (2) and daughter Viviana (3 months). The images highlighted a 32‑year age difference, prompting a wave of negative comments that labeled Riccio as a “grandpa” and criticized the couple’s relationship.

Riccio, a real‑estate developer with no public social‑media presence, has been the focus of the criticism, while Leavitt also shared photos of her return to work after maternity leave, including behind‑the‑scenes shots at the White House and patriotic July Fourth images. The online backlash has centered on the perceived age gap rather than any policy matters.