Fact Check: Leavitt's critics mock her for marrying a man over twice her age.

Fact Check: "Leavitt's critics mock her for marrying a man over twice her age."

What We Know

Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, is 27 years old and married Nicholas Riccio, who is 59, making him 32 years her senior. Their marriage took place in January 2025, shortly after the couple welcomed their son, Nico, in July 2024. This significant age gap has drawn public scrutiny and criticism, particularly because Leavitt became a mother before marriage and has been vocal about traditional Christian values, which some critics find hypocritical (The List, E! News).

Critics have expressed their opinions on social media, with comments highlighting the age difference and questioning the appropriateness of their relationship. For instance, one critic remarked on Facebook, "Karoline Leavitt — pregnant before marriage, engaged in December 2023, had a baby in July 2024, and married a rich man 30+ years older than her" (MSN).

Leavitt herself acknowledged the atypical nature of their relationship during an appearance on "The Megyn Kelly Show," admitting that the age difference made her hesitant at first, but she emphasized her husband's support and their strong bond (CT Post).

Analysis

The claim that Leavitt's critics mock her for marrying a man over twice her age is substantiated by various public reactions and media reports. The age gap has indeed sparked discussions and criticisms, particularly given Leavitt's previous public stances on morality and family values. The comments from critics, as reported in the media, reflect a broader societal tendency to scrutinize relationships with significant age differences, especially when they involve public figures (The List, E! News).

However, it is essential to consider the reliability of the sources discussing these criticisms. While mainstream media outlets like The List and E! News provide a platform for these comments, they also reflect a specific narrative that may not encompass the full spectrum of public opinion. The comments made on social media can often be exaggerated or taken out of context, which can skew the perception of the criticism Leavitt faces.

Moreover, experts cited in these articles, such as dating expert Anthony Recenello, suggest that while age gaps can lead to public scrutiny, they do not inherently doom a relationship. Recenello notes that successful relationships depend more on communication and alignment of values than on age alone (The List).

Conclusion

The claim that "Leavitt's critics mock her for marrying a man over twice her age" is True. There is substantial evidence that Leavitt's marriage to Nicholas Riccio has attracted criticism and mockery due to their significant age difference. This scrutiny is compounded by her public persona and previous statements regarding traditional values, which some perceive as contradictory to her personal life choices. While the nature of public criticism can vary widely, the specific instances of mockery and commentary about their age gap are well-documented.

Fact Check: Leavitt's critics mock her for marrying a man over twice her age.