🚨 **TRUMP PRAISES KAROLINE LEAVITT AS THE WHITE HOUSE SEARCHES FOR HER SUCCESSOR — DETAILS EMERGE…**
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has publicly praised Karoline Leavitt as she leaves her position as White House press secretary, describing her as a trusted member of his administration while acknowledging her decision to step away from the demanding role to spend more time with her family. Trump announced in August that Leavitt would leave the White House press secretary position at the end of the month. Leavitt, who became the youngest person to hold the job when she took office in January 2025, said the decision was “bittersweet” and followed months of balancing the responsibilities of the high-profile position with raising her two young children.
Her departure has created a high-profile vacancy at the White House, while Trump has continued to speak positively about the former press secretary and her future role within his political orbit. During a recent exchange with Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams, Trump was asked whether Leavitt could be replaced. “Is Karoline Leavitt replaceable?” McAdams asked. “No, she’s not. She really isn’t,” Trump responded.
Trump then made a lighthearted reference to Leavitt’s decision to prioritize her family, joking that she had chosen her children over the president. “She actually likes her children more than she likes Trump,” he said, adding a humorous remark that he was “very concerned” about the decision. The exchange underscored Trump’s public appreciation for Leavitt, who spent more than a year serving as the administration’s primary spokesperson and frequently appeared alongside him during public events and presidential travel.
Leavitt’s Decision and Future Role
Leavitt’s decision to leave came after the birth of her second child. She said that returning to the White House after maternity leave prompted her to reconsider whether she could devote the time and attention required by the press secretary position while also being the mother she wanted to be to her children. Trump supported the decision and said Leavitt would remain involved as an outside adviser. He also described her as an influential voice within the Republican Party.
Leavitt’s departure did not mark an end to her political activity. Before leaving the administration, she confirmed that she planned to return to MAGA Inc., the Trump-aligned super PAC where she had previously worked. She also indicated that she expected to remain active in Trump’s political operation and continue appearing in conservative media. Her transition therefore represents a move away from an official government communications position rather than a complete departure from Trump’s political network.
The White House has faced the task of identifying a replacement for one of the administration’s most visible positions. In her final weeks as press secretary, Leavitt said there was “no shortage of applications” for the position and confirmed that she had discussed potential candidates with Trump. She said the ultimate decision would belong to the president and emphasized the importance of having a press secretary who had Trump’s complete trust.
Successor Search and Speculation
Trump’s comments to McAdams about potentially replacing Leavitt with the Fox News correspondent were presented as a joke rather than a formal announcement. Several names have circulated publicly in connection with the vacancy, including administration and conservative-media figures. However, speculation about possible candidates has not necessarily represented formal selection or appointment decisions.
Alina Habba was among the figures publicly discussed in connection with the vacancy. Habba, a longtime Trump ally and former member of his legal team, had been the subject of speculation about whether she could move into the communications role. Habba subsequently rejected speculation that she was preparing to become the next White House press secretary. Her comments came as media attention intensified around the search for Leavitt’s replacement. Other names have also appeared in media reports, including figures connected to Trump’s administration and conservative political organizations. No speculation should be treated as an official appointment unless confirmed by the White House.
Although Leavitt has left the briefing room, she has indicated that she intends to remain active in Trump’s political movement. Her planned return to MAGA Inc. places her in a political role outside the federal government, while Trump has separately said she will continue serving as one of his outside advisers. Leavitt’s tenure was notable not only because of her age but also because of the administration’s approach to media outreach. During her time as press secretary, the White House expanded opportunities for independent journalists, podcasters and newer media organizations to participate in briefings and presidential coverage.
Moving Forward
Her departure comes as the administration enters another significant period of political activity, including preparations for the 2026 midterm elections. For now, Trump has publicly made clear that he views Leavitt’s departure as a personal and family decision rather than the end of her involvement in his political operation. While the search for her successor continues, Leavitt is expected to remain a visible figure in conservative politics and media outside the White House.