Karoline Leavitt to Depart as White House Press Secretary

Karoline Leavitt announced on August 13, 2026, that she will leave her position as White House press secretary by the end of the month to spend more time with her family. Following her announcement, speculation has arisen regarding potential successors. The New York Post reported names such as Alina Habba, Trump's former personal attorney, and Matthew Boyle, Breitbart’s Washington bureau chief, as possible replacements. Other candidates include Anna Kelly, Leavitt’s principal deputy press secretary, and Steven Cheung, the communications director. Additionally, Kari Lake, a former news anchor, and Scott Jennings, a conservative commentator, have also been mentioned. A White House source indicated that President Trump has not yet made a decision regarding Leavitt's replacement. Leavitt, who recently returned from maternity leave after the birth of her second child, expressed that balancing her role and motherhood was challenging. Trump praised Leavitt in a TruthSocial post, referring to her as one of his most trusted aides. Reports suggest that the role may remain vacant for the time being, with Cabinet members continuing to brief reporters in the interim.