The West Wing is currently engaged in a high-stakes search for a new White House press secretary following the announcement that Karoline Leavitt will step down from her post at the end of the month. Leavitt, who cited her two young children as the reason for her departure, is expected to remain a trusted voice within President Donald Trump's inner circle as an outside advisor. Her exit has ignited a flurry of speculation and internal discussions regarding who will assume one of the administration's most visible and demanding roles.
"one of his most trusted aides" and "one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office." — President Donald Trump
President Trump offered a warm send-off to Leavitt, describing her in a written statement as "one of his most trusted aides" and "one of the best White House Press Secretaries in the History of the Office." Despite the President's praise, the immediate focus has shifted to identifying a successor, with no final decision yet made, according to sources close to the administration who spoke to the New York Post.
Among the names reportedly dominating early conversations are attorney Alina Habba and Breitbart Washington Bureau Chief Matthew Boyle. Habba's background is rooted in the courtroom, where she served as one of President Trump's defense lawyers, frequently appearing before cameras to advocate on his behalf. Her career trajectory includes a stint as a West Wing counselor before President Trump elevated her to acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey. This path echoes that of Kayleigh McEnany, another attorney whom President Trump appointed as press secretary during his first term, and who was lauded for her robust defense of his agenda.
Matthew Boyle, in contrast, brings years of experience from conservative media. Colleagues describe the Breitbart journalist as possessing tenacious investigative instincts and an unflappable demeanor, qualities honed through extensive coverage of the broader Trump movement. Boyle is well-known to President Trump, having secured multiple interviews, including a recent one-on-one session in the Oval Office.
Beyond these two frontrunners, several other individuals are reportedly under consideration. Taylor Budowich, who previously served as White House deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel, is also a potential candidate. Budowich departed the administration last September to return to the private sector, but during his tenure, he was instrumental in crafting the administration's early communications strategy and spearheaded a restructuring of the press pool to broaden access.
Steven Cheung, the current White House communications director, is another name in the mix. Cheung already manages much of the behind-the-scenes groundwork for the press office, regularly briefing journalists. However, he has historically shied away from on-record briefings, even declining opportunities when Leavitt was on maternity leave, suggesting cameras may be outside his comfort zone.
The search has also brought forward names from outside the traditional press orbit. Katie Miller, formerly an aide to Elon Musk, now hosts a podcast that frequently features senior administration figures. She is married to Stephen Miller, the deputy chief of staff for policy, who offered no comment when asked about his wife's prospects. Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly and U.S. Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley, a former journalist with extensive government experience and frequent contact with the President, complete the inner circle of possibilities.
The succession process has become something of a public spectacle, with betting platforms like Kalshi recording significant price swings as users wager on potential outcomes. Jason Miller, a long-time Trump advisor, briefly saw his odds climb before being overtaken by Rachel Campos-Duffy, a Fox News host married to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, whose odds peaked at 65 percent. Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt later surpassed her in the betting. Jason Miller, while reportedly rejoining the administration, has not formally pursued the press secretary role. Further speculative names include conservative pundit Scott Jennings and Kari Lake, a former Arizona candidate known for her efforts to dismantle Voice of America while leading its federal funding agency.
Until a permanent successor is chosen, the administration may utilize a rotating roster of senior officials to handle briefing duties. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have all previously stepped behind the podium, a role President Trump himself has also occasionally filled. Leavitt's departure marks a significant transition point for the administration's public communications strategy, setting the stage for a new voice to articulate President Trump's agenda.
