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Trump looks for Karoline Leavitt’s replacement
Axios’s Herb Scribner is speaking with LiveNOW’s Austin Westfall this Sunday as speculation continues to grow over who will replace White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt as she plans to leave her role by the end of the month. We are also learning more as the Trump administration asks the Supreme Court to allow construction of the White House ballroom.
Thursday is Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s last day at the White House.
She’s stepping down as press secretary after 19 months on the job – the youngest person to ever serve in that role – to spend more time with her family.
Big picture view:
Her departure leaves a big hole in the Trump administration as it faces an ongoing war in Iran, the upcoming midterm elections and a slew of other issues. The White House hasn’t said who will be named to replace her, but here are some potential candidates:
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks to the press on her final day as Press Secretary, outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 27, 2026. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP via Getty Images)
RELATED: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt leaving White House: What we know
Scott Jennings
Conservative commentator Scott Jennings, a regular contributor on CNN, is reportedly a front-runner for the job. Jennings worked for former President George W. Bush and has advised Sen. Mitch McConnell.
What they're saying:
"I don’t know what’s going to happen," Jennings said when asked about being a favorite for Leavitt’s replacement.
(Fox News graphic)
Stephen Miller
Stephen Miller, one of Trump’s closest advisers, now serves as the White House chief of staff for policy, where he plays a prominent role in promoting Trump’s policy agenda. Miller is one of Trump’s longest-serving aides, dating back to his first campaign for the White House. His bombastic style and zero-sum worldview have made him a lightning rod within the administration.
RELATED: Karoline Leavitt reveals next role after leaving White House press secretary post
Katie Miller
Katie Miller is Stephen Miller’s wife and the former press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence and the Department of Homeland Security. She currently hosts a podcast.
When a reporter asked Stephen Miller about his wife potentially filling Leavitt’s role, he smiled at the reporter but didn’t answer the question.
Steven Cheung
White House communication director Steven Cheung is one of Trump’s biggest public defenders, "wielding significant influence but largely operating behind the scenes," observers tell Fox News.
Cheung led communications for Trump’s last campaign, where he gained a reputation for combative and insulting attacks on the Republican’s opponents. A native of Sacramento, California, he worked in Republican politics and for the Ultimate Fighting Championship before joining Trump’s team in 2016.
Anna Kelly
Anna Kelly, Trump's principal deputy press secretary, is a possible contender, observers say. She’s done media appearances for the White House while Leavitt was on maternity leave, but she’s never held a briefing.
Who’s not in the running?
Alina Habba, who serves as senior advisor to the attorney general for U.S. Attorneys, was once seen as a frontrunner but has recently shut down the idea, FOX News reports.
Habba, who was Trump's personal attorney and a big presence on the 2024 campaign trail, was the early favorite on Kalshi to replace the press secretary. Now, she ranks third behind conservative political commentator Scott Jennings and Leavitt's deputy, Anna Kelly.
"Flattered by the Kalshi odds, but I’m not in the running for any job. However, if I’m getting a new one, I’d love for one of these anonymous sources to let me know first. Fake news remains the undefeated champ…well…until I come at them," she wrote on X.
The Source: This article includes information from Alina Habba’s X account, FOX News, The Associated Press and previous FOX Local reporting.