WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump faces a key communications decision as speculation grows over who will succeed Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary.
Leavitt announced she plans to leave the administration at the end of August to spend more time with her two young children. Her departure will create a high-profile vacancy at the center of the White House communications operation.
Several names have emerged as possible successors, including Alina Habba, principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly and conservative commentator Scott Jennings.
Habba, a longtime Trump ally and former personal attorney, has previously been mentioned for the role. She later held senior government positions, including interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey. Jennings has drawn attention for his frequent defense of Trump and the administration in televised discussions. He was reportedly considered for the post after the 2024 election before Leavitt was selected. Kelly, already serving as principal deputy, gained greater visibility while Leavitt was on maternity leave and has participated in the administration’s broader media outreach.
The White House could also choose not to name a permanent replacement immediately. During Leavitt’s recent absence, senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent participated in briefings and took questions from reporters.
Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Trump’s relationship with the eventual successor will likely be a decisive factor. Spicer, who served in the first Trump administration, has ruled himself out of consideration.
Other figures mentioned in discussions include Katie Miller, Stephen Cheung, Matthew Boyle and Taylor Budowich.
The next press secretary will inherit a demanding position that requires communicating White House policy, responding to reporters and defending the administration under intense political scrutiny. Leavitt has served approximately 19 months, one of the longer tenures among Trump’s press secretaries. Her successor will need to maintain the administration’s communications strategy while building a working relationship with both the president and the White House press corps.
