Karoline Leavitt Leaves the White House Briefing Room as Trump Plans a New Role for Her

Karoline Leavitt may have explained why she is leaving the White House press secretary position, but her decision has created a new question in Washington: who will take her place behind the podium?

Leavitt is preparing to close an important chapter of her time in the White House, but her departure does not mean she is leaving Donald Trump’s political circle. Instead, she is stepping away from the demanding daily responsibilities of the press secretary job while remaining involved as an adviser to the president.

On August 12, 2026, Leavitt announced that she would resign as White House press secretary at the end of the month. She described the decision as bittersweet and called her time in the position an extraordinary experience.

In a lengthy statement, Leavitt reflected on her years inside the West Wing, including time spent in the Oval Office, international travel, meetings with foreign leaders and visits with Americans across the country.

She also expressed gratitude to Trump for giving her the opportunity to represent his administration from the White House podium. Leavitt said she was proud to defend the president’s record and challenge what she viewed as unfair coverage from the media.

Leavitt Explains Why She Is Leaving

The biggest reason behind Leavitt’s departure is her family.

She explained that becoming a mother while holding one of Washington’s most demanding communication positions had been both rewarding and extremely difficult. After returning to work following the birth of her daughter, she said she increasingly realized that the responsibilities of the position were difficult to balance with being the mother she wanted to be for her two young children.

Leavitt made clear that her decision was not about abandoning Trump’s political movement. Instead, she said the constant demands of being press secretary had become incompatible with the amount of time and attention she wanted to give her family.

Her announcement also revealed an important detail about what comes next.

Trump has asked Leavitt to continue working with him as a top outside adviser.

Leavitt said she intends to remain an outspoken supporter of the MAGA movement and the Republican Party, making clear that her political involvement is continuing even though her role inside the White House is coming to an end.

She also thanked Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, the Trump family, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Cabinet members, her staff and colleagues. Her husband and family received a special acknowledgment for the sacrifices they made while she served in the administration.

Trump Confirms Her Next Role

Trump publicly supported Leavitt’s decision and said he understood why she wanted to spend more time with her young children and family.

At the same time, he confirmed that she would remain involved in his political operation as one of his top outside advisers.

Trump praised Leavitt’s performance in the White House, describing her as a strong leader who had done an outstanding job in the press secretary position. He also credited her with becoming one of the most effective people to hold the position.

Her departure, therefore, appears to be more of a change in responsibilities than a complete political exit.

Who Could Replace Karoline Leavitt?

With Leavitt preparing to leave, attention has quickly shifted toward possible candidates for the press secretary position.

Several names have emerged as potential possibilities, ranging from administration officials with direct communications experience to prominent conservative media personalities.

Anna Kelly

Anna Kelly is among the more obvious possibilities because she already serves as deputy press secretary.

She was reportedly considered a potential temporary replacement during Leavitt’s maternity leave. Kelly has also developed experience appearing on television and defending the administration online.

Her age and energetic television presence have led to comparisons with Leavitt. Before becoming part of Trump’s political operation, Kelly worked with the Republican National Committee and later became involved with Trump’s 2024 campaign.

Alina Habba

Alina Habba would bring a very different background to the position.

She became widely recognized for defending Trump during several high-profile legal battles and frequently appeared before cameras while representing him.

Trump later brought Habba into his administration as a senior political adviser. Her experience defending Trump publicly and her familiarity with the president could make her an interesting possibility for a prominent communications role.

Harrison Fields

Harrison Fields has direct experience inside the White House press operation.

He previously served as an assistant press secretary and later became deputy press secretary. He worked alongside Leavitt before leaving the administration in 2025 to join a lobbying firm.

Fields also served as a media surrogate during Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and has publicly praised Leavitt’s aggressive approach to dealing with the media.

His previous White House experience could make him one of the more traditional choices for the position.

Margo Martin

Margo Martin is another figure with a close relationship to Trump’s political operation.

Currently serving as a special assistant and communications adviser, Martin has played a major role in Trump’s social media strategy. Her videos and behind-the-scenes content have frequently appeared on Trump-aligned social media accounts.

Martin previously worked in Trump’s first administration and later continued working with him after he left Washington.

Although she has considerable communications experience, moving from digital media to becoming the administration’s primary spokesperson would represent a major change in responsibilities.

Katie Miller

Katie Miller is also being discussed as a possible candidate.

She has extensive experience in Republican politics and has worked with figures including former Vice President Mike Pence. She later became involved with Elon Musk’s DOGE effort and has built a public profile through television appearances, online commentary and her podcast.

However, family responsibilities could make the demanding press secretary position difficult for her, particularly because she has four children, including a newborn.

Scott Jennings

Scott Jennings would represent a less conventional choice.

The longtime Republican strategist has become a familiar face on CNN, where he regularly comments on Trump and American politics.

Jennings has decades of experience in Republican politics and previously worked as a campaign manager for Senator Mitch McConnell. His television experience and political background could make him an attractive option if Trump wanted someone with a broader political résumé.

Kingsley Wilson

Kingsley Wilson is another name that has entered the conversation.

Wilson has served as press secretary at the Department of War and became particularly visible while speaking for the administration during the conflict with Iran.

She has also built strong connections inside Trump’s political movement. However, previous controversial comments attributed to Wilson could make her a more divisive choice.

Her youth and experience as a government spokesperson would nevertheless give her a distinctive profile if she were selected.

Laura Loomer

Perhaps the most surprising name mentioned in speculation is Laura Loomer.

Loomer has developed a reputation as a highly outspoken Trump supporter and has frequently acted as an aggressive defender of the president and his political movement.

Trump has reportedly discussed her as a possible press secretary in the past, although her controversial public image could make such an appointment difficult.

Loomer’s close relationship with Trump has continued despite disagreements and criticism from some Republicans. Her involvement in promoting unsubstantiated claims during the 2024 election campaign also drew criticism from several Trump allies.

For that reason, while her name may generate considerable attention, she appears to be a less conventional possibility.

JD Vance Praises Leavitt

Leavitt’s announcement quickly prompted supportive messages from senior administration officials.

Vice President JD Vance praised her performance and described the press secretary position as one of the most difficult jobs in the administration.

He said Leavitt handled the role with confidence, humor and professionalism while effectively communicating and defending Trump’s agenda.

Vance also acknowledged the challenges of combining a demanding political career with raising young children. Although he said the administration would miss her, he expressed confidence that she would continue to accomplish important things.

Senior Trump Officials Pay Tribute

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles also praised Leavitt, describing her as an exceptional member of the administration.

Wiles highlighted Leavitt’s confidence, discipline and ability to communicate Trump’s message while also praising her as a wife and mother.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Leavitt as an important member of Trump’s team and credited her with playing a major role in promoting the administration’s agenda.

FBI Director Kash Patel also thanked her, praising her performance at the podium and expressing excitement about what she will do next.

Erika Kirk focused more heavily on Leavitt’s decision to prioritize her family, saying that putting family first requires wisdom and courage.

Steven Cheung Says It Isn’t Goodbye

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung also responded to Leavitt’s departure.

He praised her as a loyal and dependable colleague who served Trump with determination and professionalism.

Although the announcement marks the end of Leavitt’s time as press secretary, Cheung suggested that it should not be viewed as a permanent farewell.

That sentiment reflects the unusual nature of Leavitt’s departure. She is leaving one of the most visible jobs in the White House, but she is not leaving Trump’s political world.

Instead, she is exchanging the daily pressure of the briefing room for a role as an outside adviser while giving herself more time to focus on her young family.

Now, the attention turns to Trump and his eventual choice for the next White House press secretary.

With names ranging from experienced administration officials to television personalities and controversial political figures, the competition for the podium could become one of the more closely watched personnel decisions inside the administration.