In the swirling vortex of political drama and social media snark, few figures have faced as much public scrutiny as Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House Press Secretary in U.S. history. At just 27, Leavitt has carved out a meteoric career, rising from a small-town New Hampshire girl to a powerhouse in Donald Trump’s inner circle. But it’s not just her professional ascent that has tongues wagging. Her marriage to Nicholas Riccio, a 59-year-old real estate mogul, has ignited a firestorm of online vitriol, with critics hurling accusations of gold-digging and opportunism. In a moment that could only be described as a masterclass in defiance, Leavitt delivered a scorching retort to her detractors, flipping the narrative with a single, razor-sharp line: “I feel happy because I have a successful career and a supportive family, so what’s wrong with double the money?”

This wasn’t just a comeback—it was a declaration of war against the trolls, a bold embrace of her unconventional love story, and a testament to her unshakable confidence. In an era where public figures are often cowed by online mobs, Leavitt’s unapologetic stance has sent shockwaves through social media, earning her both fierce defenders and relentless critics. To understand the full weight of this moment, we must dive into the whirlwind of Leavitt’s life, her rise to power, and the personal choices that have made her a lightning rod for controversy.

A Star on the Rise: Leavitt’s Meteoric Career

Karoline Leavitt’s story is one of grit, ambition, and unrelenting determination. Born on August 24, 1997, in Atkinson, New Hampshire, she grew up in a working-class family that ran a used truck dealership and a seasonal ice cream stand. The Leavitt household was steeped in conservative values, with Fox News as a constant backdrop and a Roman Catholic education shaping her worldview. At Saint Anselm College, where she earned a degree in communications and political science, Leavitt stood out as a conservative firebrand, founding the campus broadcasting club and penning articles that railed against the “crooked” liberal media. Her internship at the White House during Trump’s first term set the stage for her rapid ascent, and by 2020, she was serving as an assistant press secretary under Kayleigh McEnany.

Leavitt’s career trajectory only accelerated from there. After a stint as communications director for Rep. Elise Stefanik, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire’s 1st district in 2022, winning the Republican primary but falling to Democrat Chris Pappas in the general election. Undeterred, she joined Trump’s 2024 campaign as national press secretary, a role that showcased her fierce loyalty and media savvy. When Trump announced her as his White House Press Secretary in 2025, it was a historic moment—Leavitt, at 27, became the youngest person ever to hold the position. Her daily briefings, delivered with a radiant smile and steely resolve, have made her a polarizing figure: a darling of the MAGA base and a target for progressive ire.

A Love Story Under Fire

Amid her professional triumphs, Leavitt’s personal life has become a lightning rod for controversy. In 2022, while campaigning for Congress, she met Nicholas Riccio, a wealthy real estate developer who owns over 15 properties in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. Their connection was instant, sparked at an event hosted by a mutual friend. Despite their 32-year age gap, Leavitt and Riccio’s relationship blossomed, culminating in an engagement over Christmas 2023 and the birth of their son, Nicholas “Niko” Riccio, in July 2024. The couple tied the knot in January 2025, just days before Trump’s second inauguration, in a ceremony Leavitt described as “one of my favorite days.”

But what Leavitt saw as a fairy-tale romance, others viewed as a scandal ripe for mockery. Social media erupted with cruel jabs, with users flooding her Instagram posts with comments like “Look at the baby with his grandpa” and “Gold digger goals.” Critics painted her as a calculating opportunist, accusing her of marrying Riccio for his wealth and influence. The attacks grew even more vicious when Leavitt shared a photo of her family at Mar-a-Lago, with trolls speculating about a “shotgun wedding” and questioning the authenticity of her affection. For a woman already navigating the high-stakes world of White House politics, the personal assaults were a brutal reminder of the double standards faced by women in the public eye.

The Clapback Heard Around the World

Leavitt, however, is not one to shrink from a fight. In a recent interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, she addressed the controversy head-on, her voice steady but laced with defiance. “It’s a very atypical love story, but he’s incredible,” she said of Riccio, praising him as her “greatest supporter, best friend, and rock.” When pressed about the accusations of marrying for money, Leavitt didn’t flinch. Instead, she delivered a line that would set the internet ablaze: “I feel happy because I have a successful career and a supportive family, so what’s wrong with double the money?”

The response was a masterstroke—a blend of wit, confidence, and unapologetic swagger that turned the tables on her critics. Leavitt wasn’t just defending her marriage; she was challenging the very premise of the attacks. Why should she be ashamed of her happiness? Why should her success, both personal and professional, be reduced to a tawdry stereotype? By framing her marriage as a partnership of mutual support—Riccio’s established wealth enabling her to chase her ambitions—Leavitt dismantled the “gold digger” narrative with surgical precision. The line “double the money” wasn’t just a quip; it was a middle finger to the haters, a refusal to let their judgment define her.

Social media exploded in the aftermath. Supporters hailed Leavitt as a feminist icon, applauding her for owning her choices and refusing to bow to societal expectations. “Karoline Leavitt just shut down the trolls with CLASS,” one X user posted. “She’s living her best life, and they’re mad about it.” Conservative commentators praised her as a role model for young women, arguing that her marriage and career prove you can have it all—love, family, and ambition—without apologizing. Even some liberal voices, while critical of her politics, admitted grudging respect for her boldness. “She’s wrong on a lot, but that comeback? Savage,” wrote one progressive blogger.

Of course, the backlash was equally fierce. Detractors doubled down, accusing Leavitt of flaunting her privilege and trivializing the struggles of less fortunate women. “Double the money? Try double the tone-deaf,” one Reddit user snarked. Others questioned the optics of a White House official joking about wealth during a time of economic uncertainty. Yet even her critics couldn’t deny the impact of her words. Leavitt had taken a deeply personal attack and turned it into a moment of empowerment, forcing her adversaries to grapple with her on her terms.

A Life of Balance and Bliss

Beyond the headlines, Leavitt’s life tells a story of remarkable balance and fulfillment. As White House Press Secretary, she navigates a grueling schedule, often working 18-hour days and dashing between briefings, media hits, and diplomatic events. Yet she remains a devoted mother to Niko, who is now eight months old, and a loving wife to Riccio, who has embraced his role as her biggest cheerleader. The couple’s dynamic, as Leavitt describes it, is one of mutual respect and shared dreams. Riccio’s success as a businessman gives him the flexibility to support her career, whether it’s driving to Bedminster with Niko in tow or cheering her on from the sidelines at Mar-a-Lago.

Leavitt’s faith also plays a central role in her resilience. A devout Catholic, she begins each briefing with a prayer, asking for confidence and clarity. “My faith, my marriage, my family life—it’s everything to me,” she told CBN. This spiritual grounding, combined with the unwavering support of her “village”—including her husband, her mother, and the Trump team—has allowed her to thrive under pressure. Even her decision to return to work just days after giving birth, spurred by the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on Trump, reflects her fierce commitment to her calling. “I looked at my husband and said, ‘Looks like I’m going back to work,’” she recalled, a testament to her unyielding drive.

A New Icon for a Polarized Age

Karoline Leavitt’s clapback is more than a viral moment; it’s a window into the complexities of modern womanhood. In a world quick to judge, she has chosen to live authentically, embracing her unconventional love story and refusing to let others’ cynicism dim her shine. Her marriage to Riccio, far from a transactional arrangement, is a partnership built on love, trust, and mutual ambition. Her career, a testament to her talent and tenacity, has shattered glass ceilings and redefined what it means to be a conservative woman in politics.

As the dust settles from her fiery retort, one thing is clear: Karoline Leavitt is not here to play by anyone else’s rules. She is a woman who knows her worth, loves fiercely, and fights fearlessly. To her critics, she has a simple message: Keep talking. She’s too busy living her truth to care.