The real estate developer shared his plans to own a sports team

DONALD Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt has a shocking connection to a former president through her husband, Nicholas Riccio.

Riccio’s connection to former President George W. Bush has come to light as Leavitt draws national attention for her role as the youngest-ever White House press secretary.

A man and woman in formal attire holding a baby dressed in a tuxedo.
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Real estate developer Nicholas Riccio, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and their son NikoCredit: Instagram/karolineleavitt


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Leavitt walks to the West Wing after her press conference at the White House on MondayCredit: AP

Karoline Leavitt and her husband Nicholas at an outdoor event.
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Leavitt and Riccio, who got engaged in December 2023Credit: Instagram/karolineleavitt
Leavitt, 27, and Riccio, 59, got engaged in December 2023 and tied the knot before their son, Niko, was born in July 2024.

Years before the Fox News alum and real estate developer started their family, Riccio crossed paths with the 43rd president of the United States.

In 2005, Riccio spoke about his plans to own a sports team to the Portsmouth Herald, a daily newspaper affiliated with USA Today that serves areas of New Hampshire.

Riccio told the outlet he spoke to Bush at Pease International Tradeport, an airport and industrial park in Portsmouth, in February 2005.

At the time, Bush led a discussion about Social Security at the airport in a town hall-style meeting – and Riccio was in the front row.

Riccio sat near Senators John Sununu and Judd Gregg, according to the Herald.

The entrepreneur said he spoke about baseball ownership with Bush, who formerly owned the Texas Rangers, for three to four minutes.

Riccio told the outlet he was profoundly affected by the conversation and that he planned to speak to Bush again once his presidency was over.