White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s husband, Nicholas Riccio, represents one of America’s most compelling rags-to-riches stories. The 59-year-old self-made millionaire has built a $6 million real estate empire while maintaining an intensely private lifestyle that contrasts sharply with his wife’s high-profile political career.
Who is Nicholas Riccio?
Nicholas Riccio is a successful real estate entrepreneur and the husband of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Born around 1965, Riccio overcame extreme poverty and homelessness to become a multimillionaire property developer, primarily operating in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire.
Early Life and Overcoming Adversity
Riccio’s childhood was marked by significant hardship. After his parents Marilyn and Anthony divorced, he experienced frequent relocations between homes. At 18, he faced homelessness, often sleeping in his car and relying on friends for basic necessities like shower access.
Despite these challenges, Riccio financed his education at Plymouth State University by working at a grocery store and borrowing money. A pivotal 1990 real estate course ignited his passion for property development and changed his life trajectory.
Building a Real Estate Empire
Business Ventures
Riccio launched his real estate career in the early 2000s, focusing on flipping houses in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. His strategic approach involved:
- Targeting distressed properties in need of revitalization
- Acquiring undervalued assets at costs ranging from $5,500 to $400,000
- Transforming neglected waterfront spots into prime resort destinations
Key Business Entities
Riccio Enterprises LLC serves as his primary business entity, with subsidiary Nautical Beach Properties specializing in vacation rentals. The company currently holds 10 registered homes (9 in New Hampshire, 1 in West Virginia) and offers:
- Waterfront rooms (~$139/night)
- Beach houses (~$154/night)
- Daily and nightly parking services
Restaurant Ownership
Beyond real estate, Riccio owns a restaurant in New Hampshire where he first met Karoline Leavitt during her congressional campaign in 2023.
Financial Profile and Net Worth
Nicholas Riccio’s estimated net worth is approximately $6 million, earned through:
- Property development and flipping
- Rental income from vacation properties
- Property appreciation in Hampton Beach area
- Restaurant operations
His financial success has enabled him to provide substantial support for Karoline Leavitt’s political career, including funding her congressional campaign and managing domestic responsibilities.
Relationship with Karoline Leavitt
Meeting and Marriage
The couple met in 2023 at Riccio’s restaurant during Leavitt’s congressional campaign, introduced by a mutual friend. They announced their engagement in December 2023 and married in January 2025, just days before Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
Family Life
Karoline and Nicholas welcomed their son Niko in July 2024. Riccio’s financial stability and flexible business model allow him to manage childcare responsibilities, enabling Leavitt to focus on her demanding White House role.
Age Gap Discussion
Their 32-year age difference has attracted public attention. Leavitt has publicly addressed this, describing their relationship as an “atypical love story” while emphasizing Riccio’s role as her “greatest supporter” and “best dad.”
Private Lifestyle vs. Public Role
Despite his wife’s high-profile position, Riccio maintains an “ultraprivate” lifestyle and “hates social media.” His media appearances are primarily connected to:
- Karoline Leavitt’s career
- His real estate ventures
- His inspiring personal transformation story
Key Takeaways
Nicholas Riccio’s story demonstrates remarkable resilience and entrepreneurial success. His journey from homelessness at 18 to building a $6 million real estate empire provides the financial foundation that enables Karoline Leavitt’s political career. Their relationship, while scrutinized due to their age difference, represents a partnership where his private business success complements her public service role.
The Hampton Beach real estate mogul continues to expand his property portfolio while supporting his wife’s historic role as one of the youngest White House Press Secretaries in American history.