Washington has a new political guessing game: who will replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary?
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Leavitt will leave the position at the end of August to spend more time with her young family. The unexpected departure creates a major change for Trump’s communications operation with less than three months remaining before the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump described Leavitt as one of his most trusted aides and said she would continue working as an outside adviser. Leavitt, 28, recently returned to the White House after maternity leave following the birth of her second child.
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Trump Has Yet to Choose a Successor
The White House has not announced who will take over the podium. The lack of an immediate successor has fueled speculation among Trump’s allies and Republican operatives.
Some sources have suggested Trump could temporarily rely on senior administration officials to handle press briefings. During Leavitt’s recent maternity leave, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were among those who appeared before reporters.
Another possibility is that Trump delays naming a permanent replacement until after the midterm elections.
The timing is particularly significant because Leavitt has been one of the administration’s most visible defenders. Her departure leaves Trump looking for a communicator who can simultaneously handle hostile questions, defend the president and deliver his message to conservative audiences.
Alina Habba Among the Names Being Discussed
One of the names circulating most prominently is Alina Habba, Trump’s former personal attorney and a former acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey.
Habba has maintained a close relationship with Trump and has frequently defended him publicly. Recent reports have identified her as one of the leading possibilities for the position.
Another possibility is Anna Kelly, Leavitt’s principal deputy. Kelly has already appeared on major television networks as a White House surrogate and is familiar with the administration’s communications operation.
Scott Jennings Also Emerges as a Contender
CNN contributor Scott Jennings is another name being discussed.
Jennings previously worked in the George W. Bush administration and has become one of Trump’s most prominent defenders on CNN. He was also reportedly backed by Donald Trump Jr. during the presidential transition as a possible contender for the press secretary position.
Jennings has not publicly confirmed that he wants the job.
Other names mentioned in discussions include longtime Trump communicator Jason Miller, former White House communications official Steven Cheung, former deputy press secretary Harrison Fields, protocol chief Monica Crowley, former RNC spokesperson Elizabeth Pipko and Trump ally Roma Daravi.
Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump has also been mentioned as a possible option. She previously chaired the Republican National Committee and currently hosts a television program.
Karoline Leavitt Became One of Trump’s Most Trusted Voices
Leavitt became the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary. She joined Trump’s political operation during his 2024 presidential campaign and quickly became one of the most prominent members of his inner circle.
Her style was notably combative. Leavitt frequently confronted reporters during White House briefings and developed a particularly strong presence among conservative and pro-Trump media outlets.
She also helped expand the White House’s engagement with newer media organizations and online personalities, while continuing to use traditional television networks to promote the administration’s message.
Leavitt Says Family Was Behind Her Decision
Leavitt said her decision to leave was difficult but necessary after returning from maternity leave.
She explained that she had concluded she could not be the mother her two young children needed while simultaneously giving the White House press secretary position the constant time and attention it demands.
Trump has supported her decision and indicated that she will remain politically active as an outside adviser.
Her departure therefore does not necessarily mean the end of her role in Trump’s political operation. She is expected to remain an influential voice for the administration and the MAGA movement as Republicans prepare for the midterm elections.
The Next Press Secretary Will Face a Difficult Challenge
Replacing Leavitt will not be simple.
Trump frequently speaks directly to reporters and does not always depend on his press secretary to communicate his views. However, the person standing behind the White House podium must understand the president’s priorities, respond quickly under pressure and defend the administration across a wide range of issues.
The successor will also inherit the job only weeks before the midterm elections, when the White House will face intense scrutiny from both the media and political opponents.
For now, no successor has been officially selected, leaving a growing list of potential candidates competing for one of the most visible communications positions in the Trump administration.
