WASHINGTON – The sudden announcement that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will soon vacate her position has triggered intense speculation regarding who President Donald Trump will select to fill the high-profile role. Leavitt, who is departing at the end of August to dedicate more time to her two young children, has been a central figure in defining the administration’s public messaging.
As the administration prepares to appoint a new chief spokesperson, numerous names are circulating. The position requires a candidate who can effectively manage the briefing room lectern, a task Leavitt handled with a combative style that set the tone for the president’s agenda and the administration’s responses to opposition criticism.
President Trump historically prioritizes what he terms “central casting” when filling Cabinet and staff roles, favoring individuals who are telegenic and authoritative. While five of the six press secretaries during his two terms have been women, Trump has also demonstrated a willingness to break conventions, as evidenced by his selection of Leavitt, who became the youngest press secretary in history at age 28.
While the president has not signaled a preference, betting markets and political circles have identified 10 potential candidates. Among them is Alina Habba, a former personal attorney for Trump who gained prominence as his defense counsel during 2024 legal proceedings. Although Trump appointed her as counselor to the president and later nominated her as the U.S. attorney for New Jersey, she resigned that post in December after a federal appeals court ruled her appointment was unlawful due to a lack of Congressional confirmation.
Conservative commentator Scott Jennings, a senior political contributor for CNN, has also emerged as a potential contender. Known for his spirited debates with Democrats, Jennings has garnered attention for his viral media clips and his book, “A Revolution of Common Sense: How Donald Trump Stormed Washington and Fought for Western Civilization.”
Internal candidates are also under consideration. Anna Kelly, the current principal deputy press secretary, has been increasingly visible in media interviews, particularly regarding foreign policy and the U.S. war with Iran. At 29, she represents a similar demographic to Leavitt. Meanwhile, Steven Cheung, the current White House communications director, is recognized for his loyal, no-nonsense approach, though his current role is primarily behind the scenes.
Other names include Katie Miller, a former press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence and spouse of Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. She recently worked with the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, before launching a podcast featuring high-profile guests such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Breitbart Washington bureau chief Matthew Boyle is also being discussed, particularly if the administration seeks a candidate with deep ties to conservative media. Reports from the New York Post suggest Boyle is a frontrunner, citing his steady presence within the conservative ecosystem and his history of interviewing the president.
Longtime Trump advisers Taylor Budowich and Jason Miller are also in the mix. Budowich, who previously served as deputy chief of staff and oversaw communications, has deep experience with the president’s campaigns and the Make America Great Again Inc. Super PAC. Jason Miller, a veteran campaign spokesperson, returned to the White House this summer to assist with midterm messaging after a stint as a lobbyist.
Roma Daravi, a former deputy communications director, has seen her standing rise on betting platforms like Kalshi. Currently the vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center, she remains a dark-horse candidate in the eyes of market observers.
Finally, Kari Lake, the former television news anchor and conservative firebrand, remains a name of interest. Despite her losses in the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial race and the 2024 U.S. Senate election, she remains a favorite of the president. Trump previously tapped her to lead the Voice of America, though he later nominated her as U.S. ambassador to Jamaica. That nomination, which still awaits Senate confirmation, would technically preclude her from serving as press secretary.
Trump has not indicated who he may pick, but here are 10 names receiving early speculation – and attention in betting markets – as potential Leavitt replacements.
She made frequent appearances in front of television cameras on behalf of Trump.
At 29, Kelly is not much older than Leavitt.
She stepped down last August to launch her own podcast, where she frequently interviews Trump officials.
Boyle has interviewed Trump multiple times, including in the Oval Office in June.
He previously worked as Trump’s 2020 campaign spokesman and helped manage the pro-Trump Super PAC known as Make America Great Again Inc.
Miller worked in senior capacities for all three of Trump’s presidential runs and has frequently defended the president in front of television cameras and other reporters.