Trump's next press secretary won't be just another Trump loyalist, insider reveals

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s next White House press secretary may need more than strong media skills to succeed, according to former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer, who said the president is likely to choose someone who already understands his voice and has a personal relationship with him.

Spicer made the assessment as speculation grows over who will replace Karoline Leavitt, who announced she will leave the post at the end of August to spend more time with her family. Trump has praised Leavitt as one of his most trusted aides and said she will continue working as an outside adviser.

Spicer reveals what Trump wants

Speaking to South African outlet News24, Spicer said he expects Trump to continue his preference for having a woman serve as his press secretary.

“It’s all been women, and my guess is that pattern continues,” Spicer said, referring to the press secretaries who followed him during Trump’s first administration.

But he identified another factor he believes will matter more in the president’s decision.

“The president’s learned through five press secretaries that this is a position that he cares a lot about,” Spicer said. “He needs to make sure that that person understands his voice and has a relationship with him.”

Spicer, who served as Trump’s first press secretary during his first term, also described the job as exceptionally demanding.

“That is the most intense job I will ever ever have,” he said, noting that he had spent 27 years in the military.

Leavitt exit fuels replacement race

Leavitt’s departure has opened one of the most visible communications positions in the White House. At 28, she became the youngest person to hold the press secretary role and had previously worked for Trump during his first administration before joining his 2024 campaign. 

Trump announced that Leavitt would leave at the end of August so she could spend more time with her young children. She had recently returned to the White House after maternity leave following the birth of her second child.

Speculation over her replacement has already focused on several Trump allies, including Alina Habba, a former personal attorney to the president. Habba praised Leavitt after her resignation and said whoever takes over the podium would have “big shoes” to fill.

Leavitt’s close relationship with Trump was also seen as a major factor in her selection. Spicer had previously said that familiarity and trust between Trump and his press secretary were particularly important to the president.