When White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stepped before the cameras on the North Lawn this week, few anticipated her outfit would dominate the day’s headlines. Yet, the moment she appeared in a vivid green ankle-length dress with a knee-high slit, social media lit up with opinions — some critical, some supportive, and many intensely personal.
The dress, which she paired with understated brown heels, was called “too tight” by detractors, and some even speculated it may have been worn backward. Fashion police across platforms wasted no time dissecting the cut, the color, and the fit. But while the internet buzzed with commentary, others came to Leavitt’s defense, noting the disproportionate scrutiny faced by women — particularly women in politics — for their appearance.
“I can’t fit into my clothes from five years ago either,” one social media user wrote, reflecting the more empathetic reaction from those who saw the criticism as unfair and rooted in unrealistic expectations.
However, beyond the style debate lies a story much more revealing — one not centered on a slit in a dress, but on Leavitt’s evolving personal and professional life.
Just last month, Leavitt appeared on The Megyn Kelly Show, where she opened up candidly about her family, including her unconventional marriage to Nicholas Riccio, a businessman 32 years her senior. The two met during Leavitt’s congressional campaign, and she described their connection as instant and deep. Now 27, Leavitt calls Riccio her “best friend,” crediting him as a steady presence both in her life and that of their newborn son, Niko, who was born on July 10, 2024.
In the interview, Leavitt spoke with warmth and pride about balancing the demands of public life and motherhood. “It’s not easy, but it’s worth every moment,” she said, describing late-night feedings followed by early-morning briefings. Her words struck a chord with many working mothers, particularly those navigating the unique pressures of high-profile careers.
While online platforms continue to obsess over her outfit choices, Leavitt appears unfazed. Her focus, she makes clear, is on her work, her family, and the future. Though still one of the youngest people to ever serve as White House Press Secretary, she is no stranger to media firestorms — and no longer bothered by them.
At a time when public figures are increasingly defined by viral moments and trending hashtags, Leavitt’s story is a reminder that the substance of a person goes far beyond what they wear. The dress may have made headlines, but it’s the woman in it — navigating parenthood, public scrutiny, and a high-stakes political career — who tells the real story.
As she continues walking the tightrope between motherhood and messaging, Karoline Leavitt is proving that what matters most isn’t how she dresses, but how she shows up.
