Trump may wait until after midterms to name Karoline Leavitt’s replacement

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump plans to replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary after she leaves the role at the end of August, but the administration may not immediately name her successor.

A senior administration official said Trump is not in a particular hurry to make the decision and that the next press secretary may not be hired until after the midterm elections.

The official said the contours of the job could change significantly depending on the outcome of the elections.

Donald Trump may wait before choosing Karoline Leavitt’s replacement

Trump intends to replace Leavitt when she leaves, but there is no immediate timetable for announcing her successor.

The senior administration official said the midterm elections could affect what the press secretary job looks like, giving Trump a reason to keep the decision open for now.

Rather than quickly selecting a permanent successor, the White House could continue bringing in other administration officials to handle briefings.

The possibility is notable because the press secretary is one of the administration's most visible positions, with the person at the podium regularly speaking on Trump's behalf and answering questions from the White House press corps.

Karoline Leavitt is leaving at the end of August

Leavitt, 28, is leaving the White House press secretary role at the end of August.

Trump confirmed her departure on Wednesday, August 12, saying she wanted to spend more time with her two young children and family.

Trump praised Leavitt as “one of my most trusted aides” and said she would remain one of his top outside advisers.

“Our wonderful White House Press Secretary, and one of my most trusted aides, Karoline Leavitt, will be departing her role at the end of the month so she can spend more time with her beautiful young children and family,” Trump wrote.

Leavitt also explained her decision, saying that returning to the White House after the birth of her daughter made her reconsider whether she could continue balancing motherhood with the demands of the job.

Her exit now leaves Trump with a prominent White House position to fill, although the administration appears prepared to take its time.

JD Vance and Marco Rubio have already filled in

The White House has already tested a rotating approach to the briefing room during Leavitt's maternity leave.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was among the senior officials who took over the podium.

During his May 5 appearance, Rubio joked with reporters and switched between English and Spanish during the briefing.

Vice President JD Vance also appeared at the podium during Leavitt's absence.

Those earlier appearances could become relevant again if Trump decides not to appoint a permanent press secretary immediately.