Fact Check: Was Alina Habba chosen as the next White House press secretary?

WASHINGTON, DC: Karoline Leavitt’s decision to leave her role as White House press secretary at the end of August 2026 has sparked speculation over who will replace her. Since her August 12 announcement, several names have emerged as possible contenders, with a recent rumor claiming that Alina Habba is set to take over the high-profile position. The speculation gained traction after Habba was reportedly spotted with President Donald Trump at his Bedminster golf resort.

Social media users have since pointed to the appearance as possible evidence that Habba could be chosen for the position, though there has been no official announcement naming Leavitt's successor.

Claim: Alina Habba will be the next White House press secretary

The rumor that Alina Habba could become the next White House press secretary started after a video showed her at Trump's Bedminster golf resort over the weekend.

The 58-second video was shared with a caption claiming, "Alina Habba spotted at Trump’s Bedminster golf resort this weekend. Rumors are swirling that she may be chosen to become the new White House press secretary."

The video shows Trump attending a nighttime dinner at the golf club. Ivanka Trump can also be seen at the event, while Habba appears among the guests. The footage shows people talking, applauding and socializing under a lit outdoor pavilion. At one point, the camera captures a close-up of Habba smiling and looking toward the camera.

The video sparked further speculation on social media, with similar posts describing the gathering as "secret dinner footage" and calling Habba a possible frontrunner for the position.

Some users also praised her support for Trump and said she would be a strong replacement for Karoline Leavitt. One user wrote, "ALINA HABBA is my first choice to replace the amazing Karoline Leavitt as WH Press Secretary."

Other posts also claimed that Habba is among the leading candidates to replace Leavitt. One post described Habba as a former Trump attorney and one of his strongest defenders, adding that the next press secretary "MUST be a fighter like Leavitt."

Fact Check: Claim that Alina Habba was chosen as press secretary is misleading

The claim is misleading. While Alina Habba was spotted at Donald Trump's Bedminster golf resort over the weekend, there is no confirmation that Trump has chosen her as the next White House press secretary.

Habba is reportedly among the contenders and has been described as an early frontrunner, but the White House has not officially announced her selection or named anyone else for the position. The speculation appears to be based on reports about potential candidates, her close ties to Trump and her public profile.

Alina Habba was previously linked to the press secretary role

Habba's name has been linked to the press secretary position before. In November 2024, she was reportedly considered for the role ahead of Trump's return to the White House. During an appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity, Habba was asked about reports that she was a frontrunner. She said she would "very seriously" consider the opportunity.

However, Habba appeared to rule herself out of consideration days later. In a post on X, she said, "While I am flattered by the support and speculation, the role of Press Secretary is not a role I am considering." She also indicated that her children played a role in her decision.