Karoline Leavitt Faces Photoshop Criticism Over Husband's Photo

Karoline Leavitt's Family Photo Sparks Photoshop Controversy

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently found herself at the center of social media scrutiny after sharing Halloween family photos that raised eyebrows among online observers. The 28-year-old political figure, known for her role as the youngest White House press secretary in history, posted a carousel of images featuring herself, her 60-year-old husband Nicholas Riccio, and their 16-month-old son Niko.

The photos, taken during Halloween celebrations at the White House and Vice President JD Vance's residence, initially seemed like a typical family sharing their festive moments. However, it was the first picture in the carousel that drew significant attention—and criticism. Many Instagram users speculated that Riccio's face had been digitally altered to appear younger, with his gray hairs seemingly vanished and his facial features smoothed out.

"The airbrushing of your hubs face to make him appear younger was the trick," one Instagram user commented. Another added: "Karoline, Awesome picture but my friends noticed something: The guy on the left seems to have only his face photoshopped. His hands look like 60+ years old."

These comments aren't new for Leavitt and Riccio, who share a 32-year age gap. The couple has faced persistent online speculation about their relationship, with many social media users jokingly referring to Riccio as Leavitt's "dad" or "grandpa." Such comments have apparently become bothersome enough for Leavitt that she seems to be taking steps to address them through her social media posts.

"He doesn't have social media and he's an introvert (complete opposite of me)," Leavitt has previously shared about her husband. "I respect his privacy on here — but he's my number one fan, the best dad, and just the best man I've ever met."

The couple's "atypical love story" began in 2022 when they met at a restaurant event in New Hampshire hosted by a mutual friend. Leavitt was speaking at the event while running for Congress, and despite ultimately losing the seat to Democrat Chris Pappas, the campaign launched her career at the White House.

"We met and we were acquainted as friends. And then we fell in love," Leavitt explained in a March interview on The Megyn Kelly Show. She admitted she initially had some hesitation about their age gap, but praised Riccio as "my greatest supporter, he's my best friend and he's my rock."

Leavitt gave birth to their son Niko in July 2024 and married Riccio six months later in January 2025, just before President Donald Trump's second inauguration. The couple has occasionally appeared in public events together, including the White House Easter Egg Roll in April.

"He is so supportive, especially during a very chaotic period of life," Leavitt said of her husband. "I say, 'I walked into your life and it's been a circus ever since,' but God bless him because he's fully on board."

Despite the constant scrutiny and occasional negative comments, Leavitt continues to share glimpses of her family life, perhaps in an effort to normalize her relationship and silencing the critics. The recent photo controversy, however, suggests that the online conversation around her marriage is likely to continue as she navigates her high-profile role in the Trump administration while managing her personal life under public scrutiny.