Donald Trump floats names of potential Karoline Leavitt successors
President Donald Trump on Friday floated several potential successors to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, saying a growing number of supporters are eager to take over what he described as a highly sought-after role.
Asked on his way to South Carolina who might eventually replace Leavitt, Trump mentioned CNN commentator Scott Jennings and Margo Martin, a special assistant to the president and communications adviser in the White House.
He said, "Scott Jennings is good," then asked reporters, "Maybe Margo? What do you think of Margo?"
Newsweek has reached out to Jennings via his website's contact page and Martin via the White House press office's email account on Friday night for comment.
He also pointed to "my friend from Iowa," without identifying her by name, adding, "I don't know if she would want it."
Trump even turned the question back on NewsNation correspondent Kellie Meyer, seemingly joking, "I don't know, maybe you."
Praising Leavitt's tenure while standing alongside his press secretary, Trump said she had made the position especially "glamorous."
"I will tell you this, and Karoline will tell you this, I have never had so many job applications in my entire life," he told reporters on the tarmac. “They all want that job. They love that job.”
Trump announced on August 12 that Leavitt would be stepping down from her role at the end of the month to spend more time with her two young children and family, calling the decision one “I totally understand and respect.” Leavitt made history as the youngest White House press secretary in history, taking office at age 27.
Saturday's trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a rally supporting Republican Senate candidate Darline Graham will mark Leavitt's final official trip as Trump's press secretary.
Asked aboard Air Force One on Friday about her impending departure, Leavitt said she would miss the job but loves her children "even more," according to a post by Meyer on X.
After stepping down from the podium at the end of the month, Leavitt will remain a key figure in Trump's political orbit, serving as one of the president's top outside advisers at MAGA Inc., his super PAC.
While the question of who will succeed Leavitt remains unanswered with less than two weeks left in her tenure, one potential candidate has already said she is not in the running.
Alina Habba, former interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey who also served as Trump’s personal lawyer and legal spokesperson, shut down speculation this week that she could take the podium as President Trump’s new press secretary, despite holding a double-digit lead on prediction market Kalshi for much of Wednesday.
As of Friday, Jennings is now favored on Kalshi at 41 percent.
Jennings is a prominent CNN pundit and frequent defender of the Trump administration. Previously, he served as special assistant to President George W. Bush and adviser to GOP Senator Mitch McConnell.
Anna Kelly, the deputy press secretary, has 19 percent odds, while Natalie Harp, the executive assistant to President Trump, and Martin have 6 percent odds.
Harp, a former One America News (OAN) host, has become one of the most recognizable figures in President Trump's inner circle, frequently accompanying him on trips, helping manage his Truth Social activity and serving as one of his closest aides. Her role has come under renewed scrutiny this week after comments by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, who referenced Harp while criticizing Trump's work habits, prompting a sharp response from the White House and fresh attention on her influence within the administration.
Habba's odds had dropped to 4 percent by Friday.
Trump has had five press secretaries across his two administrations.
Trump told close advisers he would prefer a man to serve as the next press secretary, NOTUS reported, adding that he has signaled interest in Jennings for the position.