Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person to ever hold the position of White House press secretary, has made headlines not only for her political career but also for her relationship with her much older husband, Nicholas Riccio. This age gap has been a source of fascination and even mockery, with comedians like Jimmy Kimmel seizing the opportunity to make light of it.

On the January 28, 2025, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, the late-night host jokingly commented on Leavitt’s rise to one of the most high-profile positions in American politics. Kimmel first acknowledged her remarkable achievement of becoming the youngest press secretary in history, but then quickly turned the moment into a parody, saying, “She’s married to a much older real estate tycoon, so you’re hired in that case.” The comment, which was a nod to the 32-year age gap between Leavitt and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, certainly grabbed attention.

Kimmel’s joke was aimed at undermining Leavitt’s qualifications by reducing her appointment to her personal life, implying that her marriage played a role in her appointment to such a prestigious role.

While Kimmel’s quip was clearly meant to entertain, it highlights a larger issue: the way women, particularly those in high-profile roles, are often judged more harshly than their male counterparts. Regardless of political stance, it’s clear that Leavitt’s professional background speaks for itself.

Prior to her appointment as press secretary, she had already achieved notable milestones, including working as an assistant press secretary for Kayleigh McEnany during Donald Trump’s first administration. In 2022, at just 25 years old, Leavitt ran for Congress in New Hampshire, showcasing her ambition and political acumen long before her marriage to Riccio. To suggest that her qualifications for the press secretary role are somehow less valid because of her personal life is not only unfounded but also blatantly sexist.

Leavitt’s background further complicates the narrative that her marriage to Riccio somehow propelled her to success. She had already built a significant political resume when she met her much older husband, and their relationship was grounded in shared experiences rather than power dynamics. Leavitt met Riccio, a real estate magnate, at a campaign event at one of his restaurants in New Hampshire.

The event was organized by a mutual friend, and as Leavitt explained in an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, their connection developed naturally from friendship into love. It’s also worth noting that Leavitt was already well-established in politics, having worked with McEnany before she met Riccio. In fact, her political trajectory is one of determination and hard work, not one propelled by her personal life.

Despite the focus on their age difference, Leavitt has been candid about her relationship with Riccio, acknowledging the gap but also highlighting the strength of their bond. In interviews, she has responded to questions about their age difference with humor and grace, saying, “Yes, of course!” when asked about it, but also praising Riccio for his unwavering support. “I walked into your life and it’s been a circus ever since,” she joked, reflecting on the whirlwind nature of both their personal and professional lives.

This playful reference to “circus” also ties back to Kimmel’s mockery of Leavitt’s role as the White House press secretary. Kimmel’s comment about her being the “ringleader at the White House” echoes Leavitt’s own tongue-in-cheek remarks about the chaos and excitement of her life.

While Kimmel’s joke was intended to poke fun at her appointment, it also subtly reinforces the idea that Leavitt’s position in the White House is not just a product of her experience but a testament to her ability to handle high-pressure situations—traits that were developed long before her marriage.

It’s important to recognize that Leavitt’s accomplishments aren’t limited to her marriage or her age. She is a product of hard work, determination, and a genuine passion for politics. Her ascent to one of the most coveted positions in the American government is a reflection of her qualifications, not the man she married. And yet, it’s her marriage to Riccio that often becomes the focal point of discussions about her career. This phenomenon is not unusual, as women in politics and other high-profile industries frequently find their personal lives scrutinized in ways that men do not.

In many ways, the focus on Leavitt’s relationship with Riccio overshadows her achievements, but it also highlights the double standards that exist in the public sphere. If we compare Leavitt’s situation to that of other public figures, including former President Donald Trump, who has a similar age gap with his wife, Melania Trump, the scrutiny of Leavitt’s personal life becomes even more glaring. While Trump’s marriage to Melania has rarely been the subject of jokes about his qualifications, Leavitt’s relationship seems to be an easy target for those looking to undermine her accomplishments. This reflects a larger pattern in which women’s achievements are often attributed to their relationships or personal lives, rather than their skills, experience, or hard work.

While Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes may be intended to entertain, they also reveal how deeply ingrained sexism can be, even in comedy. Instead of focusing on Karoline Leavitt’s qualifications or her impressive political career, much of the public discourse centers on her personal life and marriage. This tendency not only detracts from her hard-earned success but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about women in power.

Ultimately, it’s essential to separate Leavitt’s personal life from her professional achievements. Yes, she is married to a much older man, but that fact should not overshadow the trailblazing work she has done in the political realm. Leavitt’s ability to rise to the position of White House press secretary, despite the challenges and scrutiny she has faced, speaks volumes about her capabilities and determination. The focus on her marriage is an unfortunate distraction, but it’s one that women in politics and other fields have long faced.

In the end, Karoline Leavitt’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and success, and it should be celebrated for those reasons—not reduced to the details of her personal life. While comedians like Kimmel may continue to make jokes, it’s important to remember that Leavitt’s career is the result of her own hard work and dedication, not her relationship with Nicholas Riccio.