President Donald Trump indicated that he has received a significant volume of applications for the White House Press Secretary role as the administration searches for a replacement for Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt announced her upcoming departure last week, citing the challenges of balancing a demanding job with family life.
Speaking before boarding Air Force One, Trump remarked on the high interest in the position, humorously suggesting that members of the press corps might even be suitable candidates. When asked about conservative commentator Scott Jennings, Trump responded positively, stating, "Scott Jennings is good."
Leavitt, 28, who will be leaving at the end of the month, explained her decision by stating, "Being a mother and welcoming a new baby while working in one of the most demanding jobs in the world has been the most rewarding yet challenging season of my life." She added that she felt she could not be the best mother to her two young children while fulfilling the extensive requirements of the Press Secretary role.
Leavitt returned from maternity leave on July 16, having given birth to her daughter in May. She also has a two-year-old son. Sources close to Leavitt indicated she had been contemplating her departure during maternity leave, with Trump frequently inquiring about her return. One source described the decision as "one of the hardest decisions of her life so far."
Another source suggested that upon her return, Leavitt quickly realized she was ready to step down. Trump reportedly did not want her to leave, as he trusted her and preferred to work with familiar staff during his remaining time in office. Leavitt had reportedly been discussing her desire to step down with those close to her for the past two months, seeking Trump's approval.
Trump acknowledged Leavitt's decision on Truth Social, stating he understood and respected it, and praised her as "one of the best White House press secretaries in the history of the office." He also mentioned that Leavitt would continue to serve as an "outside adviser" and an "influential voice" within the Republican Party, particularly in the lead-up to the midterm elections.
Leavitt, the youngest White House Press Secretary, joined Trump's orbit in 2018 and previously served as press secretary for his 2024 campaign. She also held a role as an assistant White House press secretary in 2020 and took on the top press secretary position at age 27 when Trump returned to power. Her tenure reportedly involved significant access, including participation in classified meetings and involvement in strategy discussions related to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.