Karoline Leavitt may have dropped her biggest hint yet about who could succeed her as White House press secretary.
Leavitt, 29, spoke to reporters outside the West Wing on Wednesday during her final day in the role, just hours before stepping down to spend more time with her family. President Donald Trump had previously branded her the “greatest White House press secretary in the last 30 years, at least.”
When asked for her advice to the next press secretary, Leavitt offered a revealing assessment of how the job actually functions. “I think it’s most important in this job to understand that President Trump is his own best spokesperson,” she said.
“We joke (White House communications director) Steven Cheung and me – that he is the true communications director and press secretary here at the White House,” Leavitt continued.
Trump himself addressed the speculation about Leavitt’s replacement, telling reporters he had been flooded with interest. “I’ve never had so many job applications in my life,” he said. He joked that Leavitt had made the position appear “very glamorous.”
Leavitt emphasized that Trump is in no rush to fill the role, noting that he would continue to take press calls and provide statements daily until a replacement is named.
She also made clear she would remain involved in Trump’s orbit, claiming she will continue to help him “on the other side.” Leavitt previously announced her return to MAGA Inc., a super PAC that supports the president’s work. She had served as spokeswoman for the organization in 2023 before joining Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Several names have emerged as potential candidates for the high-profile communications role. Conservative commentator Scott Jennings has reportedly met with Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, since the position opened, though details of that conversation were kept private.
Other possible contenders include Trump’s former personal lawyer Alina Habba, chief of protocol and former conservative commentator Monica Crowley, former Trump campaign spokesperson Jason Miller, and Leavitt’s own Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly.
In the viral moment that preceded her departure, Leavitt had become one of the youngest and most visible press secretaries in recent White House history, drawing significant attention for her combative briefings and staunch defense of the administration’s policies. Her exit marks a notable shift in Trump’s communications operation as he navigates his second term.
Leavitt closed her final exchange with the press corps on a personal note. “I’ll miss you guys,” she said.
Trump is expected to continue handling press inquiries directly until a permanent replacement is announced.