In the fast-paced world of American politics, where image often speaks as loudly as policy, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has carved out a unique space. At just 27 years old, she holds the distinction of being the youngest person ever to serve in this high-profile role, representing the administration of President Donald Trump during his second term. Known for her polished appearance and sharp-witted responses in press briefings, Leavitt has become a figure of fascination—not only for her professional prowess but also for her personal life and style choices. Recently, a rare makeup-free selfie shared on Instagram sparked widespread admiration for her natural beauty, but it was her 59-year-old husband, Nicholas Riccio, who stole the spotlight, igniting fervent discussions across social media platforms.
A Glimpse of Authenticity: The Makeup-Free Moment
On May 4, 2025, Leavitt posted a series of photos from a family trip to Palm Beach, captioned simply, “Weekends in Palm Beach.” Among the images was a candid, makeup-free selfie that revealed a side of the press secretary rarely seen in her public appearances. With her blonde hair loosely framing her face, a flushed complexion, and subtle freckles, Leavitt exuded a refreshing authenticity that contrasted sharply with her usual camera-ready glamour. Fans were quick to praise her natural look, with comments flooding her Instagram post, lauding her “dewy” skin and “flawless” complexion. For many, this moment humanized a figure often seen behind the White House podium, delivering carefully crafted statements under intense scrutiny.
Leavitt’s decision to share this unfiltered image resonated deeply in an era where public figures, especially women, face relentless pressure to maintain a curated persona. Her barefaced appearance highlighted a confidence that transcended the heavy makeup often associated with her role. In previous posts, Leavitt has shared glimpses of her beauty routine, revealing a preference for affordable products like Too Faced Cosmetics and Fenty Beauty, which she applies herself for television appearances. A 2023 Instagram video, resurfaced in 2025, showcased her meticulous process—blending foundations, contouring cheekbones, and perfecting her brows—often at 4 a.m. in hotel rooms before early morning news hits. This dedication to her craft, both in policy and presentation, has earned her a loyal following, particularly among those who admire her work ethic and relatability.
Yet, the makeup-free moment was more than a celebration of natural beauty; it was a window into Leavitt’s personal life, which has increasingly captivated the public’s imagination. Standing beside her in the Palm Beach photo was her husband, Nicholas Riccio, a 59-year-old real estate developer whose presence sparked a flurry of online chatter. The couple’s 32-year age gap, combined with their visible happiness, became the focal point of discussions, overshadowing even Leavitt’s striking appearance.
An Atypical Love Story: Karoline and Nicholas Riccio
Karoline Leavitt and Nicholas Riccio’s relationship has been described by Leavitt herself as “atypical,” a sentiment she shared during an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show in March 2025. The couple met in 2022 during Leavitt’s congressional campaign in New Hampshire, where Riccio, a successful entrepreneur, was introduced to her at a political event hosted by a mutual friend. What began as a friendship blossomed into romance, culminating in their engagement over the Christmas holiday in 2023 and their marriage in January 2025, just days before Trump’s second inauguration. Their son, Nicholas “Niko” Riccio, was born in July 2024, adding a new dimension to their partnership.
The couple’s age difference has not gone unnoticed, with social media users alternately praising and critiquing their union. Leavitt, aware of the public’s curiosity, addressed the topic candidly with Megyn Kelly, acknowledging initial doubts about the 32-year gap but emphasizing Riccio’s unwavering support. “He’s my greatest supporter, my best friend, and my rock,” she said, highlighting his role as a devoted father and partner. Riccio, described by Leavitt as an introvert who shuns social media, prefers to remain out of the spotlight, a stark contrast to his wife’s high-profile career. This dynamic has endeared the couple to some, who see their relationship as a testament to love transcending societal norms, while others have used it as fodder for memes and pointed commentary.
In the Palm Beach photo, Riccio’s appearance alongside Leavitt and their son Niko fueled speculation and humor online. Some netizens remarked on his “aged complexion,” with one X user joking that he looked more like a “proud grandpa” than a husband. Others defended the couple, arguing that their happiness and mutual respect should take precedence over superficial judgments. The polarized reactions underscore a broader cultural fascination with age-gap relationships, particularly when they involve public figures like Leavitt, whose every move is scrutinized.
Balancing Motherhood and a Historic Role
Leavitt’s ability to juggle her demanding career with motherhood has further amplified her public profile. As a new mother, she returned to work just days after giving birth to Niko, driven by a sense of duty to Trump’s campaign following an assassination attempt in July 2024. A viral image posted by a colleague in May 2025 captured Leavitt typing with one hand while feeding her son with the other, earning widespread admiration for her multitasking prowess. “It’s incredible what inner strength women possess,” one X user commented, reflecting the sentiment of many who view Leavitt as a role model for working mothers.
Her rise to the role of White House Press Secretary is a testament to her ambition and resilience. Born in Atkinson, New Hampshire, Leavitt grew up in a family that ran an ice cream stand and a used truck dealership. She attended Saint Anselm College, where she majored in communications, founded a broadcasting club, and interned in the Trump White House. Her early career included stints as a presidential speechwriter and assistant press secretary, followed by a run for Congress in 2022, where she won the Republican primary but lost to the Democratic incumbent. Her loyalty to Trump and her media savvy made her a natural choice for national press secretary during his 2024 campaign, paving the way for her historic appointment in 2025.
The Makeup Controversy: A Double-Edged Sword
While Leavitt’s makeup-free moment was celebrated, her usual glamorous look has not been without controversy. Some critics have labeled her style “Republican makeup,” a term popularized on social media to describe the heavy, uniform aesthetic favored by conservative women in politics. Commentators have pointed to her bold contour, blocky brows, and dramatic eyeliner as aging her beyond her 27 years, with some speculating that she uses makeup to appear more mature in her role. Others have gone further, fueling rumors of cosmetic procedures like rhinoplasty and lip fillers, though Leavitt has not addressed these claims.
The scrutiny of Leavitt’s appearance reflects a broader challenge faced by women in politics, where personal style is often dissected as much as policy positions. Her makeup choices, whether minimal or maximal, have become a lightning rod for both praise and criticism, highlighting the impossible standards imposed on public figures. Yet, Leavitt’s willingness to share both her polished and unfiltered selves suggests a defiance of these expectations, embracing her identity as both a professional and a person.
A Polarizing Figure in a Polarized Time
Karoline Leavitt’s journey—from a small-town New Hampshire native to the youngest White House Press Secretary—embodies the complexities of modern political life. Her makeup-free moment, while a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability, revealed a woman unafraid to challenge conventions, whether in her career, her marriage, or her public image. Her relationship with Nicholas Riccio, marked by a significant age gap, has sparked debates that reflect society’s evolving views on love and partnership. Meanwhile, her ability to navigate motherhood, media, and a historic role has cemented her as a figure of inspiration and controversy.
As Leavitt continues to shape the narrative of the Trump administration, her every appearance—made-up or barefaced—will likely remain a topic of fascination. For now, the Palm Beach selfie stands as a powerful reminder that behind the podium lies a woman whose authenticity, resilience, and unconventional choices continue to captivate and divide. In a world obsessed with appearances, Karoline Leavitt is proving that true impact lies in embracing all facets of who she is—makeup or no makeup, 27 or 59, press secretary or wife.
