Trump reveals ‘good’ contenders to replace Karoline Leavitt as press secretary

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Friday, August 21, named CNN commentator Scott Jennings and Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor Margo Martin as possible successors to Karoline Leavitt, who is set to leave her role as White House press secretary at the end of August.

Trump also jokingly pointed to several reporters, telling them, “maybe you.” The comments came as Leavitt made her final official trip as press secretary, with Trump praising her tenure in the role.

Trump names possible replacements for Karoline Leavitt

When asked about who could replace Leavitt, Trump singled out Jennings and Martin while speaking to reporters before departing for South Carolina. “Scott Jennings is good,” Trump said before turning to another possible candidate. “Maybe Margo? What do you think of Margo?”

Trump also jokingly pointed to one of the reporters, stating that maybe “my friend from Iowa,” but did not identify her, saying, “I don't know if she would want it.” He then appeared to joke with correspondent Kellie Meyer, telling her, “I don't know, maybe you.”

Trump said the position had become particularly attractive during Leavitt’s tenure and suggested there was significant interest in succeeding her. “I will tell you this, and Karoline will tell you this, I have never had so many job applications in my entire life,” Trump said. “They all want that job. They love that job.” Trump also credited Karoline for making the position "very glamorous."

Jennings, a frequent defender of the Trump administration on CNN, previously served as a special assistant to President George W Bush and as an adviser to Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. Prediction markets had Jennings as the leading potential candidate, while deputy press secretary Anna Kelly was also among the names being considered.

Martin, a special assistant to the president and White House communications adviser, is another prominent figure in Trump's communications operation. However, Trump has not formally announced a decision on Leavitt's replacement yet.

Karoline Leavitt prepares to leave White House role

Trump announced on August 12 that Leavitt would step down at the end of August to spend more time with her two young children and family. He described her as “one of my most trusted aides” and praised her performance as press secretary. “Karoline has been one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office,” Trump wrote in announcing her departure.

Leavitt, who became the youngest White House press secretary when she took the job at 27, also confirmed that motherhood was a major factor in her decision to leave the demanding position.

She described serving as press secretary as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime” but said the schedule required by the job had become difficult to balance with raising her children. She will, however, remain involved in Trump's political operation after leaving the White House, serving as one of his outside advisers through his political organization.