Karoline Leavitt Steps Down as White House Press Secretary

Karoline Leavitt will step down from her position as White House press secretary at the end of the month. She is the youngest person to have ever held this role. Her departure will change the communications team in President Trump’s White House, where discipline and loyalty in messaging are key.

Leavitt is stepping back to focus on her family. She and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, have two young children. In a statement on X, she said, ‘I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary.’ President Trump praised her, stating she has been ‘one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office.’ She will transition into an outside advisory role.

Who Is Karoline Leavitt’s Husband, Nicholas Riccio?

Nicholas Riccio is a real estate developer from New Hampshire. He has built a significant property portfolio while staying away from political visibility. Riccio grew up in Hudson, New Hampshire, in a financially unstable household and experienced homelessness as a teenager. He put himself through Plymouth State University while working and taking loans.

He began his real estate career in the early 2000s, focusing on neglected properties along Hampton Beach. Riccio became known for revitalizing rundown neighborhoods, particularly along M Street, where he bought and renovated aging buildings.

Despite Leavitt’s high-profile career, Riccio maintains a low public profile. Leavitt describes him as ‘very introverted’ and focused on family. She credits him with being a stabilizing force amid the chaos of Washington.

Leavitt and Riccio have a 32-year age difference; she is 28, and he is 60. They began their relationship in 2022 when she was campaigning for Congress. Leavitt has acknowledged that the age gap initially caused hesitation, calling their romance ‘atypical.’ However, upon meeting Riccio and witnessing his character, her parents accepted the relationship. Today, she describes their family dynamic as ‘typical.’

What Is Nicholas Riccio’s Net Worth?

Riccio’s real estate ventures have resulted in an estimated net worth of about $6 million. His company, Riccio Enterprises, owns numerous rental properties across New Hampshire, Boston, and the White Mountains. Records show at least 10 properties under his LLC, valued between $5,500 and $400,000.

Riccio’s financial success has played a substantial role in his and Leavitt’s relationship. His established business allowed him to support her political ambitions financially, including her 2022 congressional campaign. His flexible schedule has enabled him to handle more childcare responsibilities, freeing Leavitt to pursue her White House role.

When Did Leavitt Have Her Children?

Leavitt and Riccio welcomed their first child, Niko, on July 10, 2024. This was shortly before a significant national event, prompting Leavitt to shorten her maternity leave. Their second child, Viviana, was born on May 1, 2026. Leavitt briefly returned to work due to another major incident before resuming her maternity leave, describing this time as a ‘blissful newborn bubble.’ Motherhood and the challenge of balancing two young children with her job became central to her decision to step down.

Why Leavitt Is Leaving Her White House Role

Leavitt’s decision is driven by her inability to meet both her job demands and her personal responsibilities as a mother. The press secretary role requires constant availability and crisis management, which she describes as both rewarding and challenging. She stated her decision was a bittersweet but necessary choice to focus on her family.

What Trump Said About Her Exit

Trump announced Leavitt’s departure on Truth Social, respecting her decision. He praised her as one of his most trusted aides and noted her impact on the GOP’s efforts to maintain Congress. He credited her with championing core values during his tenure.

Who Could Replace Her

Discussion about Leavitt’s successor includes several potential candidates:

• Harrison Fields, the principal deputy press secretary, is a favored option for continuity.
• Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, known for a combative style, could signal a shift in strategy.
• Taylor Rogers, a senior communications official with campaign experience, is another internal contender.
• Other possibilities are Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston and communications aide Margo Martin.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Samantha Beech and Gray R. Thomas.