Karoline Leavitt, the youngest and first pregnant White House Press Secretary, made a notable appearance recently at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, just one day after announcing her maternity leave. The event, held at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., was attended by an array of well-known figures, including President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
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At just 28 years old, Leavitt has already made history in her role within the White House Press Office. Her attendance at the dinner, alongside her husband Nicholas Riccio, who is 60, brought significant attention, particularly considering she is nine months into her pregnancy. The couple, who tied the knot in 2025, are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their second child, a girl, following the birth of their first child, son Nicholas “Niko” Robert Riccio, in July 2024.
Leavitt’s pregnancy announcement in December drew considerable media attention, and her decision to take maternity leave indicates a shift not only in her personal life but also in the landscape of White House communications. When she addressed reporters on April 24, she indicated that it was likely her last engagement before the birth. With a humorous touch, she referred to her impending motherhood, stating, “As you can see, I’m about ready to have a baby any minute.”
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is a significant annual tradition that celebrates the relationship between the press and the presidency, and Leavitt was positioned onstage at the head table, highlighting her prominent role within the current administration. She expressed confidence in her communications team, reassuring attendees and reporters that they would be well-supported in her absence. “I know you’ll be in very good hands with my team here at the White House,” she commented, before playfully mentioning a recent incident involving the leak of the president’s personal phone number.
As Leavitt prepares for her maternity leave, Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, will be handling communications alongside her dedicated team. This transition reflects the continuity of operations in the critical field of government communications, even as Leavitt embarks on this new chapter of her life.
Leavitt’s relationship with Riccio has been described as “atypical,” particularly given their age difference of 32 years. In a previous interview, she spoke highly of her husband, a real estate developer, discussing their unique bond. The pair met through a mutual friend when she ran for a congressional seat in New Hampshire in 2022. Although she secured the Republican nomination, she ultimately lost the election to Democrat Chris Pappas.
As a figure in the political spotlight, Leavitt’s experiences and choices are drawing public interest and conversation. Her journey as a young mother in such a high-profile role presents a compelling narrative, merging personal and public life in ways that resonate with many.
With the impending arrival of her daughter, Leavitt is poised to juggle the responsibilities of motherhood alongside her career in politics. The forthcoming weeks will be crucial, not just for her family, but also for how she will be remembered as a trailblazer in the realm of political communications.
Despite the inevitable challenges of dealing with a newborn while working in such a demanding environment, her optimism and enthusiasm suggest that she is ready for whatever lies ahead. Leavitt’s journey continues to unfold, offering insight into the evolving nature of leadership and family life in contemporary politics.