Alina Habba denied she is being considered to replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary after prediction market Kalshi briefly gave her strong odds. Habba posted on X that she was "flattered" but not "in the running," and criticized inaccurate reporting. Markets later moved, putting CNN commentator Scott Jennings in the lead and White House deputy Anna Kelly in second, while Habba’s odds fell to roughly 8.3% by 10:50 p.m. ET. Leavitt will step down at the end of August and remain an outside adviser.
Alina Habba Denies She's In Contention As Press Secretary Odds Shift Toward Scott Jennings
President Donald Trump, left, smiles as White House Presidential Counselor Alina Habba delivers remarks before being sworn in as interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, in the Oval Office of the White House on March 28, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
With fewer than two weeks until Karoline Leavitt leaves the podium, speculation has swirled about her successor — and prediction markets briefly pointed to a surprising contender. Alina Habba, a former personal lawyer to President Donald Trump who also served briefly as interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, moved quickly to quash suggestions she is being considered for the role.
Habba Rejects Market-Driven Speculation
Habba posted on X just after 6 p.m. ET Wednesday:
“Flattered by the Kalshi odds, but I’m not in the running for any job. However, if I’m getting a new one, I’d love for one of these anonymous sources to let me know first. Fake news remains the undefeated champ…well…until I come at them.”
Odds Move Sharply Overnight
Earlier that day, the prediction market Kalshi showed Habba with a roughly 36% probability of replacing Leavitt. Those odds fell through the evening as traders reassessed the field; by about 7 p.m. ET Habba’s chances had begun to slide and a new frontrunner emerged.
At 10:50 p.m. ET, Kalshi traders had placed conservative CNN commentator Scott Jennings in the lead at approximately 37%, with White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly at about 24% and Habba down to roughly 8.3%.
Who Are The Leading Names?
Scott Jennings is a frequent CNN pundit and defender of administration positions on air. His background includes work as a special assistant to President George W. Bush and as an adviser to Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell — experience cited by some as relevant to the press secretary role. Anna Kelly serves within the White House communications team as Principal Deputy Press Secretary and has been a visible presence at briefings and events.
Leavitt’s Departure And Context
Karoline Leavitt announced on Aug. 12 that she would step down at the end of August to spend more time with her two young children and family; President Trump said he "totally understand[s] and respect[s]" her decision. Leavitt, who took office in January 2025 at age 27 and became the youngest White House press secretary in history, will remain one of the president's top outside advisers after leaving the podium.
News reports from NOTUS indicated Trump has told close advisers he would prefer a man for the next press secretary and has signaled interest in Jennings for the role. Newsweek reached out to Habba via X for comment following her posts.
Press Secretaries Under Trump
- Sean Spicer — January 2017 to July 2017
- Sarah Huckabee Sanders — July 2017 to July 2019
- Stephanie Grisham — July 2019 to April 2020
- Kayleigh McEnany — April 2020 to January 2021
- Karoline Leavitt — January 2025 to present (announced departure at end of August)
Photo: President Donald Trump listens as Alina Habba delivers remarks before being sworn in as interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey in the Oval Office on March 28, 2025. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
The situation remains fluid: prediction markets can shift rapidly in response to new reports or insider signals, and the White House has not announced a successor. Observers say political fit, media experience and the president's preferences will all play a role in the final choice.
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