Karoline Leavitt, the youngest press secretary in U.S. history, seemed to keep her husband out of the spotlight this weekend on Instagram, sparking new curiosity among her followers.
The move comes after she faced criticism last week for allegedly “airbrushing” her husband’s face in photos shared during Halloween festivities.
A Halloween Controversy
Leavitt, 28, is married to Nicholas Riccio, 60, and the two share a 16-month-old son, Niko.
Last week, she posted snaps of the family’s Halloween outing, which included taking Niko—dressed as a pumpkin—to trick-or-treat at the White House.
Some social media users quickly pointed out what they believed to be a heavy airbrush filter on Riccio’s face.
Comments noted a mismatch between his face and hands, suggesting the images had been digitally enhanced.
“The airbrushing of your hub’s face to make him appear younger was the trick,” one user wrote, while another added, “His hands look like 60+ years old.”
Leavitt, who has over 2.6 million followers, hasn’t publicly addressed the claims.
Weekend Posts Keep Him Hidden
Over the weekend, Leavitt shared glimpses of family life—from making cinnamon rolls and going to church to watching football with Niko—but her husband’s face was conspicuously absent.
In photos where he was present, only his hands, shoes, or cropped body appeared, leaving followers to speculate whether this was a deliberate choice following the Halloween backlash.
Other posts included her preparing dinner for Niko, a mirror selfie with her son smiling on her hip, and even early Christmas decorations in the house, but Riccio remained mostly out of frame.
A Love Story with a 32-Year Gap
Despite the occasional public scrutiny, Leavitt has shared the story of how she met Riccio.
The couple first connected during her congressional campaign in 2022.
She told Megyn Kelly that a mutual friend hosted an event at a restaurant he owns in New Hampshire, and that was where their friendship—and eventually romance—began.
“I met my husband during my Congressional campaign.
A mutual friend invited him, and we were acquainted as friends.
Then we fell in love,” Leavitt said. When asked about the 32-year age gap, she admitted there were initial doubts.
“Yes, of course. It’s a very atypical love story, but he’s incredible. He’s my greatest supporter, my best friend, and my rock.”
Balancing Motherhood and Career
Riccio also plays an active role in their family life.
He founded Riccio Enterprises LLC, managing beachfront properties in New Hampshire, which allows him to support Leavitt’s demanding career.
In an interview with The Conservateur, she admitted that leaving her son for work is emotionally challenging.
“It does break your heart,” she said. “It’s incredibly challenging emotionally, physically, spiritually, but I’m thankful I have a partner who can help care for Niko while I’m at work.”
Private Life in the Public Eye
Leavitt has largely kept her private life away from the public eye, but these glimpses into weekend routines and family moments give fans a rare peek at her life outside the political spotlight.
Between mothering a toddler, managing a high-profile role, and maintaining her family’s privacy, Leavitt appears determined to keep a balance—albeit one that leaves some Instagram followers wondering just how much is being shared.
What Comes Next
As Leavitt continues to juggle career, family, and social media, fans will likely keep a close eye on how she presents her private life.
Whether Riccio remains mostly off-camera or more moments are shared publicly, the couple’s story—with its unique age gap and high-profile careers—continues to capture attention.