The White House is reportedly facing a scramble to find a successor for Karoline Leavitt, who announced her departure as White House Press Secretary at the end of August. Leavitt, 28, stated her decision to leave was to spend more time with her two young children following her maternity leave.
Sources suggest that the administration may opt for a rotation of Trump administration officials to brief the White House press corps, rather than appointing a permanent replacement. This approach was also utilized during Leavitt's recent maternity leave, when Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz each held press conferences.
Sean Spicer, a former Trump Press Secretary, indicated that the next press secretary will likely be an individual with a strong existing relationship with President Trump, emphasizing the importance of communicating his policy positions. Spicer, who previously considered the role, has reportedly withdrawn his name from consideration.
Several individuals are being floated as potential candidates. Alina Habba, currently serving as senior advisor to the Attorney General for U.S. Attorneys, was an early favorite for the role and previously held a position as Counselor to the President. She was also Trump's personal attorney and a prominent surrogate during the 2024 campaign.
Anna Kelly, Leavitt's principal deputy press secretary, has been visible in media appearances and filled in for Leavitt during her maternity leave, though she has not yet led a press briefing.
Conservative political commentator Scott Jennings, a former aide to President George W. Bush, is also reportedly under consideration. Trump has publicly praised Jennings, referring to him as a "patriot." Jennings was reportedly considered for the press secretary role when Trump returned to office in 2024.
Other names mentioned include Stephen Miller, a senior advisor to Trump, and his wife Katie Miller, who previously served as Vice President Mike Pence's press secretary and communications director. Stephen Miller, when asked about his wife's potential candidacy, offered a smile in response. White House Communications Director Stephen Cheung, known for his defense of Trump, is also mentioned as a possibility, though he primarily operates behind the scenes.
Further individuals being discussed include Matthew Boyle, Breitbart's Washington Bureau Chief, and Taylor Budowich, a former White House deputy chief of staff.
Leavitt's tenure of 19 months makes her the second-longest-serving press secretary under Trump, behind Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who served for 23 months. Following Sanders, Stephanie Grisham held the role for nine months without conducting any press briefings, before being succeeded by Kayleigh McEnany, who served through the end of Trump's first term.