UPDATE: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 28, has opened up about the overwhelming challenges of her role, revealing she suffers from “PTSD about making plans” due to her hectic schedule. In a candid interview with The Daily Mail, Leavitt stated that her family, which includes her husband Nicholas Riccio, 60, and their one-year-old son, has learned to adapt quickly to last-minute changes.
Leavitt disclosed, “Honestly, I have PTSD about making plans, so I just don’t.” This reflects the chaotic nature of her job, where she frequently has to cancel family plans due to urgent foreign policy events. “We just roll with it,” she emphasized, highlighting the resilience required in her demanding position.
During the summer, Leavitt and Riccio faced multiple canceled mini-getaways. “We had three different mini weekend getaway vacations this summer. All three got canceled due to foreign policy events,” she explained. The couple’s planned trip to Leavitt’s hometown in New Hampshire was also scrapped when an unexpected event arose on President Trump’s calendar.
Despite the constant interruptions, Leavitt remains optimistic, stating, “That’s part of the job, and it’s what makes it fun and challenging.” She has already served 300 days in her role and aims to remain with the president until the end of his second term in 2029. This tenure already surpasses that of three of Trump’s previous press secretaries, including Stephanie Grisham and Kayleigh McEnany.
Leavitt’s marriage to Riccio, who is 32 years her senior, has drawn public interest, especially regarding their age difference. The couple married just before Trump’s inauguration in 2025, after starting their relationship when Leavitt was 25. She noted the challenges of finding suitable partners her age, which contributed to her connection with Riccio, a real estate developer with significant holdings in New Hampshire.
Balancing work and family life is a priority for Leavitt, who strives to be home for her son’s bedtime. “I leave at a more reasonable hour than people may think,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to family amid her responsibilities in Washington D.C. Her workdays typically start around 5 AM, filled with news updates, meetings with the president, and coordinating responses to press inquiries.
Former press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised Leavitt’s performance, stating, “She is tough, brilliant, kind and doing an amazing job in one of the hardest roles in all of politics.” Huckabee Sanders expressed pride in Leavitt’s ability to engage with the press effectively.
Leavitt encourages women to pursue their ambitions without compromise. “Get married, have kids, and work your butt off. There’s no substitute for hard work,” she advised, embodying the spirit of resilience and dedication.
As Leavitt navigates the complexities of her role, her story resonates with many, showcasing the balance of personal and professional life in the fast-paced world of politics. Readers are left wondering how she will continue to manage the demands of her position in the coming months, making her journey one to watch closely.
