Who could replace Leavitt as Trump’s new WH press secretary? Katie Miller, Alina Habba and more

WASHINGTON, DC: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Wednesday, August 12, that she will be stepping down from her post at the end of this month, ending a tenure that made her one of the most visible members of President Donald Trump's administration.

Leavitt, 28, said she is leaving the White House to spend more time with her two young children after returning to the role following the birth of her second child in May. Trump has not yet announced a successor, setting off speculation over who could take over as the administration’s top public spokesperson.

Who could replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary?

Among the names being discussed are Trump's former attorney Alina Habba and Breitbart Washington Bureau Chief Matthew Boyle, according to sources within and close to the administration.

Habba previously served as one of Trump's attorneys and later worked as a White House counselor, giving her experience defending the president publicly and within his administration.

Boyle, meanwhile, has developed close ties to Trump through his work covering the president and the broader conservative movement. Trump has granted Boyle multiple interviews, including a recent Oval Office interview, and allies view him as a potential candidate with extensive experience communicating within conservative media.

Other potential contenders include White House Communications Director Steven Cheung and former deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel Taylor Budowich.

Cheung already works closely with reporters and helps shape the administration's messaging, while Budowich played a central role in the White House's communications strategy earlier in Trump's second term.

Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly, Katie Miller and former political commentator Monica Crowley have also been mentioned as possible candidates. Former Arizona political candidate Kari Lake and conservative commentator Scott Jennings are among the other names circulating.

The administration could also opt for an internal promotion, with Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields among the possible choices. Such a move would allow the White House to maintain continuity within its communications operation.

Why Karoline Leavitt is leaving the White House

Leavitt became the youngest White House press secretary in history when Trump selected her for the position in 2024. She assumed the role after Trump returned to office in January 2025 and quickly became a prominent defender of his policies at the daily press briefings.

Trump praised Leavitt following her announcement, calling her one of his “most trusted aides” and “one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office.” He said she would remain a close adviser outside the White House.

Leavitt said the demands of serving as press secretary while raising two young children had become difficult to balance. She described the position as “the honor and adventure of a lifetime” but said she had concluded she could not give both the job and her family the time and attention they required.