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WASHINGTON – Karoline Leavitt's sudden announcement that she will soon step down as White House press secretary has fueled widespread speculation about President Donald Trump's upcoming pick to replace her.No shortage of names are being floated as Trump prepares to choose his next chief spokesperson and one of the top faces of the Trump administration. Leavitt, who cited her desire to spend more time with her two young children, formally departs the White House at the end of August.White House press secretaries are best known for fielding questions from reporters behind the briefing room lectern. With her combative communications style, Leavitt used the position to set the tone for the president's agenda and the administration's response to attacks from opponents.Trump often has an eye toward what he calls "central casting" for the part when he fills White House staff and Cabinet positions. Trump likes individuals who are telegenic and speak with authority, characteristics that are prerequisites for the very public role of press secretary.Five of the six press secretaries across Trump's two terms in office have been women. Trump has also shown a willingness to go outside the box – the 28-year-old Leavitt, for example, was the youngest press secretary in White House history.Trump has not indicated who he may pick, but here are 10 names receiving early speculation – and attention in betting markets – as potential Leavitt replacements.Alina HabbaAlina Habba, a former personal attorney for Trump, gained notoriety in 2024 as the president's defense counsel during his legal proceedings in New York. She made frequent appearances in front of television cameras on behalf of Trump.After his 2024 election victory, Trump named Habba counselor to the president. He later nominated her as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey. In December, Habba resigned as U.S. attorney for the district of New Jersey after a federal appeals court ruled she was serving in the role unlawfully because she was never confirmed by Congress.Scott JenningsConservative political commentator Scott Jennings is known for his spirited arguments with Democrats as a senior political contributor for CNN. You can bet Trump has taken notice of Jennings' viral clips.The Kentucky native, who also hosts a radio show, last year published a glowing book about Trump titled, "A Revolution of Common Sense: How Donald Trump Stormed Washington and Fought for Western Civilization."Anna KellyAnna Kelly currently serves under Leavitt in the White House press office as principal deputy press secretary.The White House has increasingly deployed Kelly in front of the camera for interviews with Fox News, primarily discussing the U.S. war with Iran and other foreign policy items. At 29, Kelly is not much older than Leavitt.Katie MillerKatie Miller, former press secretary for Vice President Mike Pence and the wife of Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, is a known commodity in Trump world.Miller worked as a top aide for the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, led by tech executive Elon Musk. She stepped down last August to launch her own podcast, where she frequently interviews Trump officials. Her guests have included Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.Matthew BoyleMatthew Boyle, Washington bureau chief of the conservative outlet Breitbart, could get a look if Trump wants a press secretary with close ties to conservative media.Boyle has interviewed Trump multiple times, including in the Oval Office in June. The New York Post reported Boyle is an early frontrunner for the job, calling him "a favorite among well-connected Trump allies who recognize the dogged Breitbart scribe’s fiery but steady presence in the conservative media ecosystem."Steven CheungSteven Cheung, a longtime loyal Trump communications aide known for his tough, no-nonsense approach, could be considered for press secretary if Trump wants to appoint from within the White House.Cheung leads the White House communications office in Trump's second term as communications director. Cheung works primarily behind the scenes, however, and taking on the role of press secretary would be just the opposite.Taylor BudowichTaylor Budowich, a longtime Trump adviser, left the White House last September for the private sector after serving as deputy chief of staff.In his former role, Budowich oversaw White House communications and Cabinet affairs. He previously worked as Trump's 2020 campaign spokesman and helped manage the pro-Trump Super PAC known as Make America Great Again Inc.Roma DaraviRoma Daravi, who served as deputy communications director during Trump's first term, is currently vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center, which Trump has worked to overhaul.Though not as well known as some of the other names, Daravi has shot up to third place on the live-betting site Kalshi to be the next press secretary ‒ behind only Jennings and Kelly ‒ based on bets placed by users.Jason MillerJason Miller, another longtime trusted Trump aide and campaign spokesperson, joined the Trump White House this summer to work on messaging before the November midterm elections.Miller worked in senior capacities for all three of Trump's presidential runs and has frequently defended the president in front of television cameras and other reporters. After the 2024 election, Miller worked as a lobbyist before returning to work for Trump.Kari LakeAnother name bandied around is Kari Lake, the firebrand conservative and former television news anchor who lost Arizona elections for governor in 2022 and U.S. Senate in 2024.Trump tapped Lake to lead the government-funded Voice of America as the Trump administration worked to dismantle the media operation. Trump is a big fan of Lake. However, in May, he nominated Lake to be his U.S. ambassador to Jamaica, a role that would prevent her from being press secretary. Lake still needs Senate confirmation for the ambassadorship.
