On May 7, 2025, at 04:37 PM +07, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, aged 27, was spotted enjoying a lavish yacht vacation with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, 59, and their one-year-old son, Nicholas Robert Riccio, affectionately nicknamed “Niko.” The family’s getaway comes amidst Leavitt’s high-profile role in the Trump administration, where she has made history as the youngest White House Press Secretary. This article delves into the details of their luxurious vacation, Leavitt’s balancing act between her demanding career and family life, the dynamics of her marriage with a significant age gap, and the public’s reaction to this rare glimpse into her personal life.
A Glimpse into the Luxurious Yacht Vacation
The Leavitt-Riccio family’s vacation took place on a luxury yacht off the coast of Miami, Florida, a popular destination for the elite seeking sun, sea, and privacy. According to a report from The Daily Mail on May 6, 2025, the yacht, valued at approximately $4.5 million, boasted multiple decks, a jacuzzi, and expansive lounging areas—perfect for a family looking to unwind. Photos shared by Leavitt on Instagram captured the family in relaxed moments: Leavitt, wearing a chic white sundress, was seen holding Niko on the yacht’s deck with the turquoise ocean as a backdrop, while Riccio, dressed casually in a polo shirt and sunglasses, steered the yacht. Another heartwarming image showed Riccio kissing Niko’s forehead as the toddler giggled, wrapped in a tiny life jacket.
The family’s itinerary reportedly included a day of cruising along Miami’s coastline, with stops for swimming and a seafood lunch prepared by a private chef onboard. Leavitt captioned one of her posts, “Family time on the water—nothing better than this.” The serene setting and luxurious amenities of the yacht provided a stark contrast to Leavitt’s typically hectic schedule, offering her a chance to recharge with her loved ones.
Karoline Leavitt: Balancing Career and Family
Karoline Leavitt’s rise to prominence has been meteoric. Born on August 24, 1997, in Atkinson, New Hampshire, she graduated from Saint Anselm College with a degree in communications and political science. Her career began with internships at Fox News and in Trump’s White House press office during his first term, eventually leading to her role as an assistant press secretary. After Trump’s 2020 election loss, she served as communications director for Representative Elise Stefanik before running for Congress in New Hampshire in 2022, where she won the Republican nomination but lost to Democrat Chris Pappas. In 2024, Leavitt became the national press secretary for Trump’s campaign, and following his re-election, she was appointed White House Press Secretary in January 2025, making her the youngest person ever to hold the position at 27.
Leavitt’s career demands are immense. She has spoken about adhering to the “Donald Trump sleep schedule” of just four hours a night, often dashing between media appearances and briefings. Her first press conference on January 28, 2025, was described as a “masterclass” by some supporters, with Leavitt taking a firm stance on issues like immigration and Trump’s tariffs on China. However, her role has also drawn scrutiny, with controversies such as her display of mugshots of undocumented immigrants on the White House lawn sparking backlash on social media.
Despite these pressures, Leavitt has consistently emphasized the importance of family. Niko was born on July 10, 2024, just days before an assassination attempt on Trump in Butler County, Pennsylvania, prompted Leavitt to cut her maternity leave short and return to work. In an October 2024 interview with The Conservateur, she recalled telling her husband, “Looks like I’m going back to work,” reflecting her dedication to her role. Yet, Leavitt has also shared the emotional toll of leaving Niko daily, admitting in a later interview, “Leaving the baby every day to go to work, it does break your heart.” This yacht vacation marks a rare opportunity for Leavitt to step away from the podium and focus on her roles as a wife and mother.
The Leavitt-Riccio Marriage: A 32-Year Age Gap
Leavitt’s marriage to Nicholas Riccio has been a topic of fascination since it became public. The couple met in 2022 during Leavitt’s congressional campaign in New Hampshire, introduced by a mutual friend at a political event hosted at one of Riccio’s properties. Riccio, a real estate developer who owns Riccio Enterprises LLC, had built a multimillion-dollar empire, owning over 15 properties in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. His journey is notable—from experiencing homelessness at 18 to becoming a successful businessman after taking a real estate course in 1990, as reported by the Portsmouth Herald in 2005.
The 32-year age gap between Leavitt and Riccio has sparked both curiosity and criticism. In a February 2025 interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, Leavitt addressed the age difference, calling it a “very atypical love story” but emphasizing Riccio’s role as her “greatest supporter, best friend, and rock.” She noted that Riccio’s established career allowed him to support her ambitions fully, a dynamic that has been crucial given her demanding role. The couple got engaged on Christmas Day 2023, married in January 2025 just before Trump’s inauguration, and welcomed Niko six months later.
Public reactions to their relationship have been mixed. While some admire their bond, others have raised concerns about potential power imbalances, as highlighted in a Women.com article on March 22, 2025. The article cited expert Janet Bayramyan, who noted that significant age gaps can lead to power dynamics, especially if one partner was young when the relationship began. Leavitt was 25 when she met Riccio, and some critics on social media have questioned what the couple has in common, with one Instagram comment from March 31, 2025, asking, “How old is your husband??? What do they even talk about?” However, supporters have praised Leavitt’s confidence, with one fan commenting, “Great pic! Such confidence and integrity,” on a post from March 10, 2025.
Family Dynamics on the Yacht
The yacht vacation offered a window into the Leavitt-Riccio family’s dynamics. Riccio, despite being 59, appeared hands-on and affectionate with Niko, often seen cradling and playing with him on the yacht. Leavitt has frequently described Riccio as “the best dad I could ever ask for,” a sentiment echoed in her Instagram posts from the trip. One photo showed Riccio and Niko lounging on a sunbed, with Niko clutching a small toy boat, while Leavitt looked on with a smile. The couple’s differing approaches to social media were also evident—Leavitt actively shares updates, while Riccio, who lacks a public online presence, prefers privacy, a choice Leavitt has said she respects.
Niko, now one year old, seemed to enjoy the yacht experience, with Leavitt noting in a caption, “Niko’s first boat ride—he’s a natural!” The family’s focus on creating memories together highlights their effort to carve out quality time despite Leavitt’s demanding career. Riccio’s flexibility as a self-employed businessman has been a key factor, allowing him to travel with Leavitt and Niko, such as when he accompanied her to Bedminster, New Jersey, during a work trip in 2024.
Public and Media Reaction
The images of Leavitt’s yacht vacation sparked varied reactions online. Many fans expressed admiration for her ability to balance her high-profile role with family life, with one Instagram user commenting, “You’re an inspiration, Karoline—working mom goals!” Others focused on the luxury of the trip, with some praising the family’s success, while others criticized the optics of a White House official enjoying such extravagance amidst economic challenges. A user on X remarked, “Karoline Leavitt on a $4.5M yacht while egg prices are at record highs—tone-deaf much?” This sentiment ties into broader criticisms of the Trump administration, which has faced scrutiny over policies like tariffs that have contributed to rising costs.
Media coverage also highlighted the age gap once again, with outlets like The US Sun noting Riccio’s journey from homelessness to millionaire status as a compelling backdrop to the couple’s story. However, some outlets, such as Irish Star, reported on the backlash Leavitt has faced for proudly displaying her family, with detractors focusing on the age difference rather than the family’s happiness. Supporters countered this narrative, with one fan writing, “Karoline, you’re doing a fantastic job as Press Secretary and mom—ignore the haters!”
A Critical Perspective
While the yacht vacation paints a picture of familial bliss, it also raises questions about privilege and perception in the political sphere. Leavitt’s role as Press Secretary involves advocating for policies that affect everyday Americans, yet her access to a multimillion-dollar yacht—likely facilitated by Riccio’s wealth—may alienate some of her audience. The Trump administration’s focus on economic nationalism, including tariffs that have driven up costs, contrasts sharply with the image of Leavitt enjoying a luxury vacation, potentially undermining her credibility with constituents struggling financially.
Moreover, the age gap in Leavitt’s marriage, while a personal matter, invites scrutiny in the context of her public role. The power dynamics inherent in such relationships can be magnified when one partner is a high-profile figure like Leavitt, whose decisions impact national policy. While Leavitt has framed Riccio as a supportive partner, the lack of public insight into their dynamic leaves room for speculation about how their differing life stages influence their partnership.
Conclusion
Karoline Leavitt’s yacht vacation with her husband Nicholas Riccio and son Niko offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of one of America’s most prominent young political figures. As of May 7, 2025, the 27-year-old White House Press Secretary continues to navigate the challenges of her historic role while prioritizing family time, as evidenced by this luxurious getaway. The trip highlights both the joys and complexities of her life—balancing a demanding career, a marriage with a significant age gap, and motherhood under intense public scrutiny.
For Leavitt, the yacht vacation was a chance to create lasting memories with her family, a priority she has consistently emphasized despite her professional commitments. However, the public’s mixed reactions underscore the challenges of maintaining relatability in a role that demands both accessibility and authority. As Leavitt continues her tenure, her ability to connect with Americans while managing her personal and professional life will remain a defining aspect of her legacy.
