Who Will Replace Karoline Leavitt? 7 Contenders Emerge

The departure of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remains at the center of political discussion in the United States, but speculation has already begun over who will take her place.

According to the American website The Hill, seven people are considered among the frontrunners for the position, one of the most high profile jobs in the U.S. government.

Leavitt, 28, is stepping down after about a year and seven months in the role, citing her wish to spend more time with her husband and two young children. During her tenure she became one of the most combative defenders of Donald Trump’s policies, while also earning the trust of the president and other senior officials in his administration.

Finding her replacement is seen as difficult, since Trump went through four different press secretaries during his first term as president, with tenures ranging from about six months to nearly two years.

Anna Kelly

The name that comes up as the most natural choice is Anna Kelly, who currently serves as deputy White House press secretary.

The 29 year old Kelly already knows firsthand how the job works and how to manage day to day relations with the press. In 2024 she served as national press secretary for the Republican National Committee, and previously worked for the Wisconsin Republican Party and in the office of Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden.

She also appears frequently on Fox News and other television networks, defending the Trump administration’s policies. According to The Hill, Kelly is so far considered one of the favorites for the job.

Some news: new job and new X account! 🇺🇸

Official updates ➡️ @AnnaKelly47 pic.twitter.com/QridNQu8Ot

— Anna Kelly (@AnnaKellyGOP) January 22, 2025

Katie Miller

Another name that has come up is Katie Miller, wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

The 34 year old has built a strong public presence through her podcast, “The Katie Miller Podcast,” where she has hosted senior administration officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, former Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

She also has significant political experience. She has served as deputy press secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, as well as press secretary and communications director for former Vice President Mike Pence.

However, choosing her would raise a particular issue, since she herself has four young children, while Leavitt announced her departure specifically to spend more time with her family.

Katie Miller. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Alina Habba

Also on the list is Alina Habba, former acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey and former lawyer for Trump.

Habba became widely known as a member of the president’s legal team, including in the case involving author E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuit and the New York fraud case.

She then briefly served as White House counsel before being appointed acting U.S. Attorney in New Jersey. A court ruled her appointment unlawful, and she left the position.

Habba has not publicly commented on the speculation about her taking over as press secretary, but commenting on Leavitt’s departure, she wrote that whoever takes the White House podium “should be ready for a fight.”

Portrait of Alina Habba as interim District Attorney for the District of New Jersey. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Tricia McLaughlin

Another person considered a possible pick is former Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin.

The 32 year old played a central role in communications for the Department of Homeland Security during the period when the Trump administration was ramping up operations against illegal immigration.

During Trump’s first term she worked at the State and Treasury Departments, and she also served as a senior advisor on Vivek Ramaswamy’s 2024 presidential campaign.

Trump has spoken positively about McLaughlin in the past, saying she “really knows her job.”

Patricia McLaughlin Official Portrait at DHS Headquarters (Photo by Mikaela McGee). Source: Wikimedia Commons

Scott Jennings

A different kind of profile belongs to conservative commentator Scott Jennings, a frequent CNN guest who consistently defends the Trump administration’s choices.

Asked on a CNN broadcast whether he’s interested in the job, he said he “doesn’t know,” while also praising Leavitt’s work.

The 48 year old Jennings has served as an advisor to President George W. Bush and as a senior advisor on Senator Mitch McConnell’s campaigns. His name was also considered in 2024, before Leavitt was ultimately chosen.

Scott Jennings speaking in the spin room following the CNN Republican Presidential Debate at the Olmsted Center at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Jason Miller

Also among the possible names is Jason Miller, a longtime advisor and associate of Trump.

The 51 year old has extensive experience in political communications. He served as a Trump spokesman during the 2016 campaign, briefly worked as communications director for his transition team, and was a senior advisor on the 2024 campaign.

He has recently been working as a lobbyist, but according to The Hill, he returned to the White House this summer to help with communications strategy ahead of the midterm elections.

Roma Daravi

Rounding out the list is 30 year old Roma Daravi, who served as deputy White House communications director during Trump’s first term.

She is now vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center. While she is less well known to the general public than some of the other candidates, her previous White House experience could work in her favor.

The decision on who will succeed Leavitt is expected to be one of Trump’s first major communications bets, since the new press secretary will be tasked with defending the administration’s policies and handling the daily back and forth with the U.S. press.