In a heartwarming story that has captured the nation’s attention, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently discovered that her childhood caretaker, Maria Gonzalez, is still cleaning houses at the age of 80 to make ends meet. The revelation, which came during a visit to her hometown of Atkinson, New Hampshire, left the 27-year-old political star stunned—but it’s what Leavitt did next that has earned her widespread admiration and respect.
According to sources close to Leavitt, the young press secretary was catching up with old neighbors when she learned that Gonzalez, who had cared for her and her siblings while their parents ran their family’s ice cream stand, was still working grueling hours cleaning homes despite her advanced age. “Karoline was heartbroken,” said a family friend. “Maria was like a second mother to her, always there with a warm smile and a kind word. To hear she was still working so hard at 80—it hit Karoline like a ton of bricks.”
A Life-Changing Gesture
Rather than simply offering words of sympathy, Leavitt took immediate action. Sources say she quietly reached out to Gonzalez and offered to cover her living expenses, allowing the elderly woman to retire comfortably. But Leavitt didn’t stop there. Inspired by Gonzalez’s lifelong dedication, Leavitt partnered with a local New Hampshire charity to establish the “Maria Gonzalez Fund,” a nonprofit aimed at supporting elderly workers in low-wage jobs who lack retirement savings. The fund, seeded with a personal donation from Leavitt and her husband, real estate developer Nicholas Riccio, has already raised over $100,000 to provide grants for seniors in need.
“Karoline didn’t just want to help Maria—she wanted to make sure no one else in her situation has to work into their 80s,” said a spokesperson for the charity. “It’s a testament to her character and her roots in a working-class community.”
A Viral Moment of Gratitude
The story broke when Leavitt shared a touching Instagram post, featuring a photo of her and Gonzalez hugging outside the caretaker’s modest home. “Maria helped raise me, and I’ll never forget her love and sacrifice,” Leavitt wrote. “No one should have to work at 80 to survive. I’m honored to help her retire and to launch the Maria Gonzalez Fund to support others like her. Thank you, Maria, for everything.” The post, which included a link to the fund’s donation page, quickly went viral, amassing millions of likes and shares across X and Instagram.
Supporters flooded social media with praise for Leavitt’s compassion. “This is what leadership looks like,” tweeted a conservative commentator. “Karoline’s not just talking about helping people—she’s doing it.” Even some of Leavitt’s critics, who have clashed with her over her role in the Trump administration, expressed admiration. “I don’t agree with her politics, but this is a class act,” wrote a progressive X user.
Gonzalez’s Story Resonates
Gonzalez, a widowed immigrant from the Dominican Republic, reportedly cared for the Leavitt family for over a decade while raising her own children. Known for her tireless work ethic, she continued cleaning houses long after the Leavitt children grew up, as she had no retirement savings or pension. “Maria never complained,” said a neighbor. “She’d say, ‘Work keeps me young.’ But you could see the toll it was taking.”
In a brief statement shared through the charity, Gonzalez expressed gratitude for Leavitt’s gesture. “Karoline was always a sweet girl, and now she’s an angel,” she said. “I’m so thankful, and I pray this fund helps others like me.”
A Personal Connection to Service
Leavitt’s actions reflect her upbringing in a close-knit, working-class family that valued hard work and community. Raised in Atkinson, where her family ran a small ice cream stand and her father operated a used truck dealership, Leavitt has often credited her Catholic faith and small-town roots for shaping her values. Her decision to honor Gonzalez aligns with her public statements about the importance of family and public service, themes she emphasized during her 2022 congressional campaign.
The Maria Gonzalez Fund has already begun accepting applications, with plans to distribute its first grants by the end of 2025. Organizers say the initiative could become a model for addressing the retirement crisis facing low-wage workers, particularly elderly immigrants. “Karoline’s leadership has sparked a movement,” said the charity’s director. “This is about dignity and giving back to those who’ve given so much.”
A Shining Example
As Leavitt navigates her high-profile role as the youngest White House press secretary in history, her act of kindness has humanized her in the eyes of many. While she continues to face scrutiny for her combative press briefings and staunch defense of President Trump’s policies, this story has reminded the public of her personal side.
“Karoline’s not just a spokesperson—she’s someone who cares deeply about people,” said a longtime friend. “What she did for Maria shows who she really is.” As the Maria Gonzalez Fund gains momentum, Leavitt’s gesture is likely to inspire others to take action, proving that even in the cutthroat world of politics, compassion can still shine through.
