In the wake of Karoline Leavitt’s unexpected resignation from her post as White House press secretary, the question has now turned to who will replace her.
Leavitt, 28, has worked as White House press secretary since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term and is widely considered one of his most trusted staffers. She was the youngest person to work in the public-facing position.
On Truth Social, Trump announced this week she would be leaving her role to spend time with her family, but would remain a top advisor to him from the outside and an “influential voice” in the Republican Party.
The annoucement came not long after Leavitt returned from parental leave after having her second baby in May this year.
Serving as the White House Press Secretary over the past year and a half has been the honor and adventure of a lifetime. I am incredibly grateful to President Trump for granting me so many extraordinary opportunities, such as working in the West Wing and spending countless hours… https://t.co/4jyW61DGGh pic.twitter.com/xny1yccuBn
— Karoline Leavitt (@karolineleavitt) August 12, 2026
There are a number of names in circulation as potential replacements, but the White House is yet to make a decision. Trump has not publicly commented on a potential replacement yet either.
Below, we take a look at the five women who may be in consideration for the position. A number of men have also been highlighted as potential candidates, including White House Communications Director Steven Cheung and political commentator Scott Jennings.
Alina Habba
Alina Habba is a former personal lawyer of Donald Trump and she is considered one of the key front runners who could be chosen to take on the role.
Habba first joined Trump’s legal team in 2021 and has represented him in various legal battles, including in his “hush money” trial in New York where he was convicted of 34 felonies.
In December last year, she resigned as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor after a court battle over her eligibility to serve as US attorney for the state.
She has also served as the president’s counsellor.
Katie Miller
Katie Miller is a conservative podcaster and former staffer who has previously served as press secretary and communications director to former Vice President Mike Pence.
She is married to Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff.
Miller has also worked as communications director for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was headed up by Elon Musk.
Anna Kelly
Anna Kelly is the current deputy White House press secretary, working alongside Leavitt. She’s also worked as national press secretary for the Republican National Convention, and was a spokesperson for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Kelly is widely considered a front runner for the role.
Sage Steele
Sage Steele is a former television anchor and prominent media figure who has her own show on YouTube. She has previously campaigned for Trump.
She is well known for hosting sports programs including SportsCenter.
Tricia McLaughlin
Tricia McLaughlin is a former spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). She was among the most prominent defenders of the Trump Administration’s ICE raids, until she left the role in February.