White House bombshell turned doting mom! Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, 27, melts hearts with tender family photo outside West Wing—while online frenzy erupts over her baby boy’s “spitting image” resemblance to dad, 59.
She’s one of the youngest—and most talked about—figures in Washington. But Karoline Leavitt, the 27-year-old White House Press Secretary, isn’t just commanding the podium these days—she’s capturing hearts with a touching glimpse into her life as a new mom.
In a moment that stunned both political observers and her growing legion of fans, Leavitt shared a candid photo on Instagram of her holding her baby son outside the White House. But what was meant to be a sweet family moment quickly exploded into a social media sensation—and not just because of the baby’s missing sock.
Family Moment Sparks Internet Frenzy
In the now-viral image, Leavitt stands proudly outside the West Wing, clad in a powder blue suit and beaming with maternal pride, as she cradles her infant son, Nicholas Robert “Niko” Riccio. Her husband, Nicholas Riccio, 59, stands beside her, and the couple’s smiles say it all: joy, unity, and a love story that defies convention.
The post has sparked a wave of reactions across social media. Many users focused on the striking resemblance between baby Nicholas and his father. One person on X wrote, “OMG their son is sooooooo [sic] cute!!! He’s a spitting image of his daddy.”
Another added, “I agree, looks just like daddy.” Similar comments filled the feed, with one person writing, “Like father like son, so cute.” Another echoed, “He looks like daddy 💙.”
But not everyone saw the resemblance the same way; others saw a striking similarity to Leavitt.
“Adorable. Just like his Mama,” one comment read. Another chimed in,
“He is beautiful just like his momma! He lost a sock…how cute!”
Some eagle-eyed fans also noticed a small but endearing detail. The infant had lost one of his socks during the photo.
Sock Drama and Sweet Observations
Yes—that sock. While the young family struck an elegant pose, eagle-eyed fans couldn’t help but notice baby Niko was missing one sock, leading to a flurry of endearing commentary. One pointed out
“Baby lost his sock…never fails. My kids always managed to kick a sock at picture time.”
The playful observations and differing opinions just added to the charm of the moment.
A Love Story That Raised Eyebrows… and Inspired Devotion
Leavitt’s private life has stirred curiosity ever since she appeared on The Megyn Kelly Show in February 2025, where she candidly addressed her 32-year age gap with Riccio.
The couple’s romance began at a political event held at a New Hampshire restaurant owned by Riccio. Leavitt was speaking; he was invited by a mutual friend. Sparks flew. At first, they were merely acquaintances—then, everything changed.
When Kelly pressed about the age difference, the press secretary didn’t flinch, responding:
“We fell in love…But he’s incredible, he’s my greatest supporter, he’s my best friend, he’s my rock…”
She praised Riccio’s accomplishments as a businessman and added that he now champions her career with pride. As for his devotion to their son, she called him:
“The best dad I could ever ask for.”
“It’s Been a Circus Ever Since”—But They Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way
Leavitt, known for her sharp intellect and commanding presence, also revealed a private joke she often shares with her husband:
“I’ve walked into your life and it’s been a circus ever since. But God bless him because he’s fully on board.”
Riccio, whose Italian roots she highlighted, was described by Leavitt as a true romantic—a sentiment echoed by the public as they follow the couple’s unconventional, yet inspiring journey.
She also pointed out her husband’s accomplishments, highlighting that he built himself a successful business. The press secretary revealed that Riccio is supportive of her career and her efforts to build herself.
Picture-Perfect Wedding Takes Center Stage
In a separate post this week, Leavitt took fans behind the scenes of her lavish wedding day, held at the exclusive Wentworth By The Sea Country Club in Rye, New Hampshire.
She captioned the carousel of dreamy images:
“Finally found some time to post a few of my favorite pictures from one of my favorite days! 😌🤍✨💍”
From elegant black-clad bridesmaids to tables adorned with white roses, no detail was spared.
Leavitt credited Samantha Pisani and Salon Pure for her hair, Sarah Alicea for her flawless makeup, and Favorite Daughter Florals for the breathtaking bouquets. Her photographer? Img.escape, who captured every perfect moment.
Photos showed the bride and groom walking the golf course, clinking glasses at the bar beneath a glowing white sign that read “The Riccio’s,” and sharing a cheek kiss that melted hearts. See below:
Riccio and his wife also posed together at the bar with drinks in hand, as her loving husband kissed her on the cheek. Above them, a lit white sign displayed the words, “The Riccio’s.”
A Mother’s Joy: “The Best Moment of My Life”
Long before her photo outside the West Wing, Leavitt had already tugged at heartstrings when she introduced her newborn son to the world. On July 15, 2024, just days after giving birth, she shared tender hospital photos.
“The moment our son was born. The moment I officially became a mom. The best moment of my life.”
The post featured a carousel of images—from a blue-capped newborn nestled in hospital blankets to a glowing new mom gazing at her sleeping son. “Babies are the ultimate blessing and I’m bursting with gratitude for our beautiful, happy, healthy boy.” She continued with raw emotion:
“It’s true when they say there’s nothing comparable to the love you feel for your child. My heart has grown bigger than I ever imagined possible.”
