Karoline Leavitt has welcomed her second child, and the announcement quickly turned into two conversations at once.
The White House press secretary, 28, shared that she and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, 60, welcomed a baby girl named Viviana on May 1. The news was happy and simple. Online, though, many people quickly focused on the couple’s 32-year age gap, with some commenters joking that Riccio looks more like the baby’s grandfather than her father.
Leavitt did not address that chatter. Her post stayed focused on the new arrival.
Karoline Leavitt Announces Birth Of Baby Girl
Leavitt shared the news on Instagram, writing, “On May 1st, Viviana aka ‘Vivi’ joined our family, and our hearts instantly exploded with love.”
She added, “She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister. We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble.”
Viviana is Leavitt’s second child with Riccio. Their son, Nicholas, known as “Niko,” will turn two in July.
Leavitt first revealed her pregnancy in December and continued working as President Donald Trump’s chief spokesperson through much of it.
Online Reaction Quickly Turned To Her Husband’s Age
While many congratulated Leavitt on the birth, others zeroed in on Riccio’s age.
At 60, Riccio is more than three decades older than Leavitt. That has made the couple a frequent target of online comments, especially whenever family photos surface.
This time was no different. Some users joked that he looked old enough to be the baby’s grandfather. Others criticized the focus on his age, arguing that a birth announcement should not become another internet pile-on.
The blunt reality is that the age gap is what drives clicks here. But the actual news is still positive: Leavitt and Riccio have welcomed a healthy daughter.
White House Adjusts During Leavitt’s Maternity Leave
Leavitt stepped away from her press secretary role for maternity leave in April. She briefly returned after the April 24 shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner to update reporters on the situation.
It remains unclear how long she will be away from the White House.
During her leave, other Trump administration officials are expected to handle briefings. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared in the press briefing room earlier this week, with one White House official reportedly calling him “a natural.”
Vice President JD Vance is also expected to appear at some point. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other administration figures may also be used to cover the briefing schedule. There has even been talk that Trump himself could step in.
For now, Leavitt appears focused on her newborn daughter and her growing family. The internet may be stuck on her husband’s age, but her announcement was all about Vivi’s arrival.
