Donald Trump has not rushed to name a permanent replacement for Karoline Leavitt, who will leave as White House press secretary at the end of August. A senior official told CNN the president has shown "zero urgency," prompting quiet lobbying from allies and hopeful candidates. Reported contenders include Alina Habba, Scott Jennings, Anna Kelly and supporters of Elizabeth Pipko. The White House may opt for rotating senior officials at the podium rather than immediately installing a new full-time press secretary.
Trump Shows No Rush To Replace Karoline Leavitt As Allies Lobby For Favorites
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Donald Trump is moving slowly on naming a permanent successor to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, even as allies and prospective candidates quietly jockey for the role.
Leavitt has said she will leave the post at the end of August. A senior White House official told CNN that the president has shown "zero urgency" and "genuinely doesn't know who to pick," contributing to a flurry of behind-the-scenes outreach.
Who’s Lobbying — And Who’s Being Considered
Sources told CNN that hopefuls have pursued recommendations through junior staffers and, in some cases, brought their pitches directly to Trump. Supporters of Elizabeth Pipko — a former RNC spokesperson who has previously been discussed for the job — are among those making a push.
Names reported as under consideration span multiple corners of Trump’s network, including Alina Habba, former George W. Bush aide Scott Jennings, White House principal deputy press secretary Anna Kelly, and former Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. To date, the White House has not signaled publicly what specific qualities Trump seeks in a new press secretary.
Do They Need To Fill The Role Now?
A larger question for the administration is whether a single, permanent press secretary is necessary. Trump frequently communicates directly through Truth Social posts and short interviews, and formal briefings have been irregular during his second term. During Leavitt’s previous absence, the White House relied on other senior officials to handle media duties, suggesting a possible move toward a rotating lineup.
"It’s an insane job — a thankless one," one person familiar with private conversations said, warning that any successor will face constant comparisons to Leavitt.
What Comes Next
Semafor reported that the administration has discussed returning Cabinet members or other senior officials to the podium after Leavitt departs, which could produce a rotation of spokespeople rather than an immediate permanent appointment. For prospective candidates, the job offers visibility but carries intense scrutiny and high turnover risk.
Reporting note: Much of this coverage reflects reporting by CNN and Semafor on internal discussions inside the White House.
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