White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has revealed that she has been privately advising President Donald Trump on her successor, as multiple candidates are reportedly vying for the high-profile position.
In her final official interview as press secretary on Thursday, Leavitt told "Fox & Friends" that she has discussed the selection process with Trump and offered her insights on the qualities needed for the role. "There is no shortage of applications. There's a lot of people who want this job, a lot of capable people who want this job," Leavitt stated, without naming specific contenders.
Leavitt, who is stepping down after nearly 20 months as Trump's primary public-facing spokesperson, emphasized the importance of trust between the president and his press secretary. "Ultimately, it has to be his decision to make," she said. "The press secretary and the president – you spend a lot of time together – it has to be someone he trusts fully."
Leavitt described her departure as "bittersweet," citing a desire to spend more time with her two young children. She reflected on her tenure, calling it "the honor and blessing of a lifetime to work for this president" and an "adventure of a lifetime" to serve as his spokesperson.
She also characterized Trump as an understanding boss and friend who supported her decision to leave the West Wing. Leavitt indicated she is willing to continue advising Trump on the selection of her replacement until a decision is made.