Alina Habba, a senior adviser to the attorney general for U.S. attorneys, has publicly stated she is not a candidate to become the next White House press secretary, countering speculation and shifting odds on prediction markets. The announcement comes as the White House continues its search for a replacement for Karoline Leavitt, who is set to depart the role at the end of August.
Habba addressed the speculation directly on X, stating, "Flattered by the Kalshi odds, but I'm not in the running for any job." She previously served as a counselor to the president and as interim U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey. Habba also acted as a high-profile surrogate for former President Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and served as his personal attorney.
Following Habba's statement, CNN political commentator Scott Jennings became the leading favorite on the prediction market platform Kalshi to succeed Leavitt. Jennings, a former aide to President George W. Bush, had reportedly been considered for the press secretary position after Trump's 2024 election victory before Leavitt was appointed. Leavitt's deputy, Anna Kelly, is now listed as the second favorite on Kalshi.
When Habba was previously floated for the press secretary role after Trump's 2024 election win, she expressed that she was "flattered" but believed she would "be better served in other capacities." Leavitt, 28, announced her departure earlier this month, citing a desire to spend more time with her two young children after returning from maternity leave.
Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer previously commented that Trump's next press secretary would likely be someone with a "strong existing relationship" with the former president.