Additional Coverage:
- Karoline Leavitt’s White House leaves massive vacuum as replacement has yet to be named (irishstar.com)
The Trump administration faces a notable vacancy following Karoline Leavitt’s decision to step down as White House press secretary at the end of this month. At just 29, Leavitt cited a desire to spend more time with her newborn and family as the reason for her departure, leaving the administration without a named successor as her final day approaches this Friday.
During Leavitt’s previous 11-week maternity leave, senior officials rotated in handling press briefings, and sources indicate the same approach will continue temporarily. While speculation abounds about who might fill the role, neither the White House nor President Donald Trump have publicly confirmed any candidates.
Among those rumored to be in consideration is Scott Jennings, a conservative commentator on CNN with a background in political communications, including service under former President George W. Bush.
When asked about the possibility of taking over Leavitt’s position, Jennings offered high praise for her tenure but was noncommittal about his own ambitions. “Karoline Leavitt has been maybe the greatest White House press secretary in the last 30 years,” he told CNN’s NewsNight.
“She’s been nothing short of brilliant.”
Other names reportedly under consideration include Alina Habba, Trump’s former defense attorney who effectively acted as a press spokesperson during his 2024 civil lawsuit in New York. Additionally, deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, former Republican National Committee national press secretary, is among the potential candidates. Long-shot possibilities include Kari Lake and Katie Miller, the latter being the wife of Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Sources also mention White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Taylor Budowich, and Matthew Boyle, Washington bureau chief for Breitbart, as being in the mix.
As for Leavitt, she plans to devote more time to her family but will remain engaged politically by rejoining MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting President Trump-backed candidates. Leavitt previously served as the group’s spokesperson and will be working alongside former White House political director James Blair, strategist Chris LaCivita, and pollster Tony Fabrizio. Details on her new role have yet to be disclosed.
President Trump publicly announced Leavitt’s departure earlier this month on Truth Social, lauding her as “one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office” and expressing gratitude for her service since 2018. He also indicated she would continue as a top outside advisor and influential figure within the Republican Party as they prepare for upcoming midterm elections.
With Leavitt’s exit imminent, the White House faces the challenge of promptly filling a key communications role crucial to shaping the administration’s messaging in a politically charged environment.