and the youngest person ever to hold that role, shared heart-warming personal news just days after Christmas: she and her husband Nicholas Riccio, 60, are expecting their second child — a baby girl due in May 2026.
In a festive post on Instagram, Leavitt described the announcement as “the greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for,” underscoring her joy, faith and commitment to both family and public service.
The announcement blends political history with a deeply personal milestone, as Leavitt navigates an unprecedented path that intertwines her high-profile federal role with a growing young family. Her story — already defined by a mix of historic firsts, unconventional love, and professional resilience — has captured public interest beyond typical political circles.
A Christmas Announcement With a Historic Twist
On December 26, 2025, Leavitt took to Instagram with photos of herself cradling her baby bump beside a Christmas tree and snapshots showing her son, Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio, holding a teddy bear that read, “I’m the big brother.” In a caption filled with heartfelt emotion, she revealed that she and Riccio are expecting a baby girl in May 2026.
“The greatest Christmas gift we could ever ask for — a baby girl coming in May 2026,” Leavitt wrote, also expressing gratitude to God and describing motherhood as “the closest thing to Heaven on Earth.”
Her announcement was widely covered by major outlets and noted not only for its personal nature but also because Leavitt is set to become the first pregnant White House press secretary while serving in office. Officials tell reporters she will continue her duties through her pregnancy, marking a first in U.S. political history.
Balancing Motherhood and Power: A Unique Public Role
Leavitt was appointed as White House press secretary in January 2025 at the age of 27, making her the youngest person ever to serve in that capacity — a milestone that already broke with tradition.
Her tenure has been defined by visible engagement with media, strong public defense of the administration’s policies, and navigating Washington’s intense political spotlight.
Now, as she prepares to welcome another child while managing one of the most demanding communication jobs in global politics, Leavitt’s story reflects evolving norms about family and leadership in public life.
In her Instagram post, she also thanked President Donald Trump and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for supporting a “pro-family environment” in the White House, which she said allowed her to pursue both professional and personal fulfillment.
Leavitt’s experience is part of a broader political narrative about workplace culture at the highest levels of government — one that increasingly intersects with conversations about family support, gender norms and professional expectations for women in power.
A Love Story That Defies Convention
The announcement of Leavitt’s pregnancy once again put the spotlight not just on her, but on her husband, Nicholas Riccio, whose age and background have sparked public conversation. Riccio — a real estate developer from New Hampshire — is 32 years older than Leavitt, an age difference that initially raised eyebrows but has since been embraced by their circle of family and friends.
The two first met in 2022 during Leavitt’s campaign for Congress in New Hampshire. At the time, she was running as a Republican candidate for the state’s 1st Congressional District — a bid she ultimately lost to Democrat Chris Pappas, but one that introduced her to Riccio. Their relationship blossomed amid the pressures of political competition.
Despite early skepticism — including from her own parents — Leavitt has spoken candidly about how her husband’s character, support and devotion helped win over her family. In interviews, she described their love story as “atypical,” emphasizing that Riccio’s encouragement has been central to her ability to pursue a demanding career.
They became engaged in December 2023 and married in January 2025, just days before President Trump’s second inauguration. Their first son, Niko, was born in July 2024 — six months before their wedding — and has since become a familiar presence in media reports about old and new White House traditions.
Riccio, now father to two young children, has largely remained out of the political spotlight despite his wife’s prominence. A graduate of Plymouth State University, he built his career as a real estate developer and now owns Riccio Enterprises, a company with properties in New Hampshire and beyond.
Navigating Public Scrutiny and Media Attention
With personal happiness, however, has come heightened public attention — and at times, scrutiny. The couple’s age difference has been a frequent subject of commentary on social media.
After her pregnancy announcement, one post on X (formerly Twitter) quickly circulated reminding followers, “Karoline Leavitt is only 28 years old and her husband is 60.” Such commentary reflects how modern public life often blurs the boundaries between political coverage and personal lives.
Leavitt has responded to such attention with transparency, focusing on mutual respect and dialogue rather than controversy. On The Megyn Kelly Show, she once described their partnership as “incredible,” noting that Riccio’s support allowed her to thrive in a role that is both highly visible and highly demanding.
Career Highlights and Context
Leavitt’s climb to the White House press secretary role followed her early work in political communication and campaigning. A graduate of Saint Anselm College, she previously served in the Trump administration and ran for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022. Her early career included roles in political advocacy and communications, laying the groundwork for her rapid ascent in Washington.
Her appointment as press secretary in January 2025 marked a generational shift — she succeeded Karine Jean-Pierre and became one of the youngest figures to shape the administration’s public voice.
Her tenure has been defined by aggressive defense of policy positions, daily televised briefings, and a media strategy that blends assertive communications with personal storytelling.
In addition to her policy communications work, Leavitt’s visible role as husband to Riccio and mother to Niko has contributed to a modern narrative of employer support for working parents. Her public gratitude toward the White House’s pro-family environment has resonated with many who see her dual roles — mother and national spokesman — as inspiring.
Implications for Work-Life Balance in High Office
Leavitt’s announcement arrives amid broader conversations in the United States about work-life balance, family policies and parenthood in high-pressure careers. While media coverage often focuses on her public role, her candid acknowledgment of motherhood and family life has struck a chord with many Americans who juggle professional responsibilities with raising children.
Her description of the pregnancy as “the greatest Christmas gift” reflects not just personal happiness but a generational shift in how political leaders communicate about family and career — signaling that even in high office, personal milestones matter and can be shared publicly without undermining professional credibility.
The pregnancy also underscores the growing visibility of women in senior government roles who continue to serve while raising young families — a contrast to earlier eras where such personal narratives were often kept private or relegated to the background.
Looking Ahead: Expectations and Support
As Leavitt and Riccio prepare to welcome their daughter in May 2026, many in political and social circles are watching how Leavitt will balance her role in the West Wing with expanding family responsibilities.
A senior White House official told reporters that Leavitt plans to remain in her role as press secretary throughout her pregnancy, with no indication that she will take formal maternity leave.
This decision — to continue serving at a historic level while welcoming a new family member — reflects Leavitt’s deep commitment to her work and her family. It also raises broader questions about parental leave, workplace flexibility and family policy at the highest levels of government — topics that resonate far beyond politics.
Conclusion
Karoline Leavitt’s announcement of her second pregnancy with husband Nicholas Riccio — shared with warmth, faith, and public gratitude — is more than a personal moment. It represents a cultural inflection point in American political life, blending the personal with the professional in ways that reflect modern expectations for leadership, family support, and public engagement.
Her role as the first pregnant White House press secretary, her husband’s quiet strength, and their shared excitement about expanding their family underscore a narrative that goes beyond partisan politics.
It is a story about personal joy, the complexities and rewards of public life, and the enduring importance of family — all woven together in a way that speaks to broad audiences at the close of 2025.
Pet trainer with a passion for helping animals and owners build strong, loving bonds through positive reinforcement and expert care.
