Trump Yet to Choose New Press Secretary Amid Speculation

President Donald Trump has not yet appointed a replacement for White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, leading to widespread speculation over who might become the administration’s next public representative. Leavitt will join “Fox & Friends” on Thursday morning for her final interview as White House press secretary, marking her last day in the role. The 29-year-old plans to spend more time with her two young children before joining Trump-aligned political group, MAGA Inc.

Trump’s selection for the next press secretary will be crucial in shaping the final stage of his presidency. This position will be central to promoting his legacy and navigating the political challenges ahead. While the search for a new press secretary continues, various Trump administration officials will temporarily brief the White House press corps, mirroring the arrangements made during Leavitt’s maternity leave earlier this summer.

WHITE HOUSE PLANS GUEST HOSTS FOR PRESS BRIEFINGS WHILE KAROLINE LEAVITT TAKES MATERNITY LEAVE

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was the first to hold a news conference when Leavitt was on leave, followed by Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “The final two years of any second presidential term are often driven by the anticipated focus on the next general election,” stated former White House press secretary Dana Perino in conversation with Fox News Digital. She emphasized that many top White House reporters focus more on campaign matters after the midterms.

Perino, who served under former President George W. Bush, commented, “For a press secretary, managing daily governance while distancing oneself from the campaign poses a challenge, though President Trump might prefer staying deeply involved.” She credited Leavitt for performing effectively “both in public and behind the scenes.”

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Sean Spicer, Trump’s initial White House press secretary, explained that the job involves two vital aspects: representing the president publicly and handling policies internally. He believes Trump’s next press secretary will likely have a strong connection with him. Spicer noted, “President Trump appreciates the significance of this role for communicating positions on policies and issues.” Alina Habba, who serves as senior advisor to the attorney general for U.S. Attorneys, was initially considered a frontrunner but has denied seeking the role.

Habba, once Trump’s attorney and prominent campaign figure, was favored as Leavitt’s replacement but now ranks third, trailing conservative commentator Scott Jennings and Leavitt’s deputy Anna Kelly. Despite flattering odds, Habba declared she is not pursuing any new position. “Fake news remains undefeated…for now,” she wrote on X.

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Anna Kelly, serving as Trump’s deputy press secretary, has appeared publicly, although not in official briefings. Jennings, a CNN commentator and former aide during George W. Bush’s presidency, was previously considered for press secretary in 2024 before Leavitt was picked. Trump praised Jennings for his recent publication and called him a “patriot.” Jennings dining with Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles was reported by the Daily Mail.

Other potential candidates circulated on social media include senior advisor Stephen Miller and his wife, Katie Miller. Stephen Miller smiled when asked about potential for his wife to assume Leavitt’s role.

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White House Communication Director Steven Cheung remains a key figure in Trump’s circle, despite working mostly out of sight. Other names mentioned as contenders are Breitbart’s Washington Bureau Chief Matthew Boyle and former deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich.

Leavitt served as Trump’s second-longest press secretary, lasting 19 months. She follows the first-term press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s tenure of 23 months. After Sanders, Stephanie Grisham assumed the role for nine months without conducting a single press briefing. She was succeeded by Kayleigh McEnany, who stayed until Trump’s first term ended.

Fox News Digital sought comments from the White House regarding the situation. Ashley J. DiMella reports on politics for Fox News Digital.